LIONS ANNOUNCE FRICKE RETURN

LEICESTER have confirmed Australian star Max Fricke will remain as their No.1 in 2024.

Fricke enjoyed an excellent first season with the Lions this year, ending with the third highest average in the Sports Insure Premiership after a string of high scores and maximums, and he is the club’s first signing for the next campaign after their ownership change.

Manager Stewart Dickson said: “It’s a big signing for us. We were desperate for Max to come back, and he was desperate to come back as well.

“We’re very pleased that he’s coming back to Leicester, and I’m sure he’ll lead from the front once again from the No.1 position.

“On an average of 8.98 he is officially the league’s third-top rider, and it’s a big season ahead for him because in my opinion to get to the next stage he has to go beating the likes of (Jason) Doyle and (Emil) Sayfutdinov, the two who are above him in the averages, and talking their scalps on a more regular basis.

“If he can do that, then he could be even better for us next season, but the main thing he is a high-quality performer, very professional in everything he does, and we’re delighted he’s coming back.”