The Owlerton side launch the 2010 campaign on March 18 when Elite League title hopefuls Belle Vue are the visitors.

Club owner Machin has met with supporters who have given their seal of approval for the Tigers team. Season tickets

have sold well and interest is high in what promises to be an exciting season.

"I was at a supporters' meeting last week and everyone has a new-found confidence," said Machin. "Things haven't worked out over the last few years but we've made a key signing in Josef Franc and now people are starting to talk with confidence again. Josef will give us an extra dimension in the heat leader department and that's led to an upswing in optimism.

"There is a general perception that we look solid right down the team and it would be great to get our season off to a

winning start, although Belle Vue won't want to come here and lose."

Franc is back in the UK to prepare for the season. The other new signing Arlo Bugeja is also ready for action. Fans will get the chance to see the team in action next Thursday, when the club stage their press and practice session. The action starts at 4.30pm and will last into the evening.

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