(SPEEDWAY 1)

FORMER World Champion Chris Holder is to return to the Elite League next season with parent club Poole.Holder sat out the majority of the 2014 campaign, apart from a brief spell as injury cover in the early weeks, but is now back full-time with the Pirates who have also confirmed the signing of fellow Australian Dakota North.Promoter Matt Ford said: “Chris has his heart and soul right here in Poole and having him back is great news for us as a club. Since winning his world title back in 2012 he has suffered a rough time with injuries but has bounced back well and I am really happy he has expressed his wish to return to us.“I selected (North) as a guest on a couple of occasions and he settled in so well. He was a real pleasure to work with and I am delighted to be able to bring him in for next season. He has a very sensible head on his shoulders and can certainly be a key player for us.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

MAX Clegg is the new captain of Cradley – completing a remarkable transformation from reserve to No.1.Clegg, 17, is a full asset of the club and has won the league title twice in the two years he has raced for the Heathens.“From the moment I first joined Cradley I’ve always wanted to be a No.1 for them, and now the opportunity has come I’ve definitely taken it with both hands,” he said.“To be captain of the team as well is an honour because it’s such a great club, and I think it’s going to be another awesome year for us. We’ve had some great captains, Starkey (Paul Starke) and Ash (Ashley Morris) have both been brilliant the last two years so hopefully I can learn from what they’ve done and do a good job as well.”