Speedway: Skipper Simon satisfied with Tigers' season

Stead leads the Owlerton side into battle against Newcastle on home shale tomorrow as the half-way point of the season approaches.

It’s been a successful comeback for Stead after suffering serious multiple injuries 13-months ago.

And he believes the Tigers team have what it takes to push for honours when it comes to the crunch.

He said: “I was never too worried about racing in just one league, I was just hoping that it would be enough time on the bike and as I have said, I’m more than happy.

“If I’d have felt I’d have needed more meetings then I’d have looked to the Elite League or racing on the continent again but things are going well for me and we’re really pleased at Sheffield right now too.

“We’ve got a solid team with some good, young riders in it and we can beat anybody on our day.

“We’ve felt from the start of the season that we’ve got the potential to challenge for honours and silverware and that will be our aim in September and October.

“We were disappointed to miss out last season and the few of us who are back this year are determined to try and go further this season.

“It would mean a lot for me to win a league title, especially with Sheffield, so we just need to maintain our good form and get to the all important play-offs at the end of the season.”

Stead is also facing a big meeting next Monday when he, along with Tigers colleagues Kyle Howarth, Josh Bates and Jason Garrity, take their place in the British Final at Belle Vue.