JAMES Wright is joining some familiar faces after signing for Sheffield.

Wright, who is coming out of retirement for the 2021 season, is keen to make an impact and in the Premiership after five years out of competitive racing.

He will be reunited with former team mate Troy Batchelor and will be racing for Simon Stead, who he was alongside at Workington.

Said Wright: “They’ve built a strong team and I know a few of the lads well. I rode with Troy at Swindon before - we’re a similar age and have always got on well over the years.

“I’m also looking forward to working with Steady again. I started my career at Workington and Simon was a massive help to me there - he gave me an engine which really kick-started my career and I’ll always be grateful for that.

“My brother (Charles Wright) has been a massive help to me too. He rode at Sheffield in 2018 and had nothing but great things to say about the club. That really sealed the deal for me and has made me even more excited to be a part of their step up to the Premiership.”

Wright has previous top flight experience with Belle Vue, Swindon and Birmingham and can’t wait to get going at Owlerton.

“I can’t wait to meet all the Sheffield fans and finally get my career back up and running. I’ve never been so eager and riding in two leagues will help me immensely.

“I’d also like to send a huge thank you to all my sponsors. Without them there’s no way this would all be possible, I’m so grateful.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and if I’m being honest, a very unexpected one.

“It was always my intention to double-up when announcing my return to the sport but I didn’t expect the call to come so early. I thought maybe a couple months into the season if I performed well in the Championship then I might get my chance then.

“Owlerton is a great race track and one I’ve always enjoyed riding. I always seem to score well there too and I always remember riding on the old training track there early on in my career.”

Wright is the penultimate name in the line-up alongside Batchelor, Jack Holder, Adam Ellis, Kyle Howarth and Josh Bates which means Josh Grajczonek won’t be returning to Britain.