SHEFFIELD boss Simon Stead is backing new arrivals Troy Batchelor and Adam Ellis to be a big hit with Owlerton fans.

Tigers launch their 2021 season at Belle Vue on Monday before the first home action in 20 months next Thursday, May 20, against Peterborough.

And Stead says the duo, who were title winners with Swindon in 2019, will be successful in Sheffield colours.

“Those two come into the Sheffield team as winners and we hope they can continue that with us,” Stead said.

“That sort of winning mentality and experiences can prove invaluable over the course of the season and I expect them both to have very good seasons for Sheffield.

“It’s easy to forget that Troy is a former Grand Prix rider.

“And in the past few seasons, he’s developed into one of the top, consistent performers in British Speedway.

“So he’ll be a great leader for us I’m sure.

“I’ve been very impressed with Adam when he’s visited Owlerton as a visiting rider in recent seasons and he rides our place really, really well.”

Ellis is in the UK having collected his new van from Rochdale and will race in Poland as well as Britain this season.

Batchelor, however, is only riding for Sheffield and is hoping to defend his title as the top rider in the Premiership.

Ticket details for next Thursday’s clash will go on sale from sheffield-speedway.com the official club website on Thursday May 13. Supporters should keep checking the club website and social media and not call the club.

The club will race in front of reduced crowd numbers in the early stages and demand is expected to be high after such a long absence.

Club bosses have spent the past fortnight making plans for the racenight operation under new rules in accordance with fans returning to sporting venues.

Club joint owner Damien Bates said: “It’s been hard work but we’re all excited by the prospect of heading to Belle Vue on Monday and then getting back to Owlerton next Thursday.”