PETERBOROUGH have made a double team switch ahead of this Thursday’s Premiership clash with Poole at the East of England Arena.
Seven-times British Champion Scott Nicholls rejoins the Crendon Panthers to add strength to their heat-leader department, whilst former British Under-21 Champion Josh Bates steps back into the top flight with the club.
Making way are Ben Barker and Lasse Bjerre as Panthers shuffle the pack following a recent run of four matches without a win, including a damaging home defeat to Ipswich last time out.
Nicholls, who rode at No.1 for Panthers in the Championship last season, became available after completing a short-term stint as injury cover with rivals Wolverhampton.
He underlined his impressive form so far this year with a 13+1 haul when Wolves visited Alwalton in the Premiership Supporters’ Cup last month. Bates, meanwhile, rode most recently in the top flight for Leicester two years ago before missing the entire 2018 campaign due to a broken back.
He has returned to the Lions at Championship level and enjoyed a terrific start to the season, putting him on the radar of higher-league clubs.
Panthers co-promoter Colin Pratt has stressed changes had to be made in order to keep the club in the race for the play-offs. Pratt said: “It’s never nice releasing riders, but we had to do something. We have given the guys a chance but we have got to the stage where it couldn’t continue.
“I’m confident the Peterborough fans will be happy to see we are trying to improve things. “Scotty remains a class act and Josh always give his all, he’s a battler. “Hopefully we can now see some improvement in results. I inherited a team when I came into the club, and sometimes tough decisions have to be made.”
Nicholls and Bates will both be in the side for the visit of Poole on Thursday, and then for the Bank Holiday Monday local derby against King’s Lynn.
Nicholls added: "I was delighted when Peterborough came in. "It has been a quick turnaround but I was there last season and it is where my career began back in 1994 so it is cool. I am looking forward to it."