Swindon Robins have signed British international Simon Stead from Belle Vue in a deal that will see fans' favourite Charlie Gjedde heading to Manchester. Stead, 26, becomes the fourth signing for the 2009 season and joins Leigh Adams, Troy Batchelor and Jurica Pavlic as a confirmed starter.
Stead, a three times British under 21 Champion, spent the 2008 season with the Coventry Bees. In a year ravaged by injury, he notched an Elite League average of 6.70 from 24 meetings.
The 2.5 per cent reduction in starting averages for British riders means Stead will commence the 2009 campaign with a figure of 6.53.
The Yorkshire born racer has an array of international experience and was handed the wild card slot for the 2006 British Speedway GP at Cardiff’s Millennium stadium.
He has also consistently featured in Britain’s World Cup squad since 2005 and is widely considered one of the nation’s most spectacular riders.
Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter said: "I’m thoroughly excited about the signature of Simon Stead and it is superb news for Swindon Speedway that he will be representing the club in 2009.
"Simon’s a rider who has performed extremely very well at Swindon throughout his career and his riding style suits the wide open space of Blunsdon perfectly.
"Simon’s a likeable guy and I know he’ll quickly settle in at the Abbey Stadium. By his own admission he didn’t enjoy the best of seasons in 2008, but he's determined to come back stronger with Swindon next year.
"Simon will be aiming to permanently assume heat leader status and we will support him in achieving this goal. He has the ability to significantly increase his starting average and despite his 2008 season being disrupted by injury, he showed flashes of brilliance on numerous occasions.
"Signing a rider of Simon’s calibre once again emphasises the professionalism of Swindon Speedway. We’re committed to building a team that will challenge for honours and our plans continue to make very good progress."
Stead will join Swindon co-promoter Gary Patchett at tonight’s Pit Crew AGM which will be followed by a fans forum. This event takes place at New Inn Pub, in Stratton St Margaret, and gets under way at 7.30pm
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