Sheffield Tigers: Lasse Bjerre '˜a good starting point' for recruitment

Tigers chief Damien Bates says Lasse Bjerre is a perfect fit for Sheffield's team plans.

Bjerre was unveiled as their first winter signing for the revamped SGB Championship after spending last season with Redcar.

And Bates has hinted he could be the first of several new signings arriving at the club this winter with Jason Garrity heading for the exit door and Simon Stead considering retirement.

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He said: “In Lasse Bjerre we have a rider with the potential to put points on his average and that’s the key to any successful team, I think most people understand that.

“He is a good starting point for our team building and once we did the deal he was keen to get the news out there so he can start looking for sponsors and prepare for the move.

“I remember seeing him have some terrific meetings around Sheffield in the past and it can only help him having Owlerton as his home track.

“I’m pleased with the signing and we can now move on from there because I expect him to be in the engine room of the side.”

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Bates has already said teenage ace Jack Parkinson-Blackburn is on his wanted list and nephew Josh is also in line for an Owlerton return.

“We’re hoping to finalise things within the next week or so and don’t anticipate too many problems,” said Bates.

“But we have new faces lined up to go alongside Lasse Bjerre and they are good to have because it freshens things up.

“What I want is a nice balance of established Sheffield riders who have done well for us previously and some new signings and I think we can achieve that.

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“Because the sport’s AGM was so early this year I anticipate most clubs in the Championship will get their teams finalised quickly too. Earlier than ever, in fact!”

Bates has pressed on with the team despite the absence of co-promoter Peter Mole who has been in Australia for the Grand Prix and took the opportunity of an extended break down under – he is due back behind his Owlerton desk later this week.