Sheffield Tigers assessing options after Nicki Pedersen move scrapped

Sheffield boss Simon Stead admits the club are ‘massively disappointed’ to see their dream move for triple world champion Nicki Pedersen scrapped.
Nicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris SimpsonNicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris Simpson
Nicki Pedersen. Photo: Chris Simpson

Pedersen joined in November 2019 but with last season cancelled he never got to make his debut.

Now he’s reluctantly had to miss out this year because of new rules in Poland restricting the amount of leagues riders can appear in.

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He’s due to appear in home country Denmark, Sweden and Poland which means he can’t ride for Tigers.

Team boss Simon Stead said: “Of course we’re massively disappointed because I think everybody was excited to see Nicki back in British Speedway and we were certainly excited to have him here at Sheffield.

“It was a massive coup for the club, the signing of Nicki got a lot of people talking and it proved we were taking our step up into the top league very seriously.

“We continue to do that - unfortunately Nicki won’t be able to be a part of our plans now but we do wish him all the best for the future and hopefully we’ll be able to get him back over to Owlerton at some point.

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“Myself and the promotion as a management team at Sheffield Speedway will now assess our options with a space for TK (Todd Kurtz) to fill as well following his retirement.

“And as I said not so long back, we will do everything we can to track the strongest, most entertaining team that we can.”

Tigers bosses are already in talks with riders and signings will be revealed as soon as everything is in place.

Promoters are planning a May 3 start and Tigers will host 10 home league meetings plus a Premiership individual tournament with all six tracks staging a round.

They know they must bring in a young British rider in accordance with the new policy to give home grown talent more opportunities.