Josh Bates makes 'dream' return to Sheffield Tigers

Barnsley racer Bates, a title winner with his local club in 2017, has returned as part of the new scheme introduced to have British riders with limited experience in each professional side.

He joins Troy Batchelor, Jack Holder and Kyle Howarth in the Tru Plant Tigers side – and he’s delighted.

“I told my uncles, Damien and Marc, that I wanted to be back with Sheffield one day, that was my dream,” he said.

“Now that dream has come true and I’m absolutely over the moon about it, I just can’t wait to get back racing around Owlerton.

“I’ve always said throughout my career that Owlerton has been my favourite track and I can promise everyone at Sheffield I’ll be giving it my very best as I always do.

“I used to go as a boy and admired the likes of Ricky Ashworth and how quick guys like him were around there.

“It’s an exciting time for me to be going back there with the signing of Troy Batchelor, he’s a class act, and I’m looking forward to linking up with Simon Stead as manager, another rider I admired greatly when I was a kid.

“I just can’t wait for the tapes to go up. Nobody will hold me back, I’m going for it in a big way!”

Co-promoter Damien Bates said: “We are pleased to welcome Josh back, it’s a big opportunity for him and I’m sure he will take it with both hands.

“He made it very clear to us he didn’t see his time ended for good with us, he always wanted to be back at Sheffield at some stage.

“As part of the rising star scheme Josh fits the bill for our team and we are sure he can give us strength at the lower end of the team.

“He has many fans at Sheffield and I’m sure they will make him welcome.”