GLADIATORS SWOOP FOR NICHOLLS

SEVEN-TIMES British Champion Scott Nicholls will make his comeback from long-term injury this week as part of a team re-structure at Plymouth.

47-year-old Nicholls has been out of action since last October when he suffered serious shoulder damage in a crash at Oxford, ruling him out of the Cheetahs’ plans for 2025.

But having recently been back on a bike he has declared himself fit to race, and he has answered the Gladiators’ call with their most recent signing Daniel Klima sustaining a broken leg in a crash in Germany last weekend.

Nicholls’ arrival at the top of the team necessitates a further alteration with Arran Butcher stepping up into the Cab Direct Championship for the first time, replacing Mitchell Cluff, and the changes will take effect from the trip to Edinburgh on Friday.

Promoter Mark Phillips said: “It was tough to lose Daniel after such a promising start, but to bring in someone of Scott’s pedigree is a huge boost for the club and the fans.

“Scott doesn’t just bring points – he brings leadership, energy, and unmatched knowledge of the sport.

“Arran’s attitude and maturity will also be a big asset in the reserve berth.”