POPULAR Czech Republic rider Josef Franc has rejoined Sheffield Tigers for the 2012 Premier League season.

Franc, affectionately known as ‘Pepe’ at Owlerton, was a firm favourite with supporters during his previous spell in 2010.

He notched 237 points from 31 meetings during that season and he has already told bosses of the Sheffield Window Centre-backed club he is determined to better that.

Franc joins Hugh Skidmore, Richard Hall, Emiliano Sanchez, Klaus Jakobsen and Joe Haines in the 2012 Tigers side with just one place to fill with a newcomer to the club.

Sheffield co-promoter David Hoggart said: “We are delighted to welcome ‘Pepe’ Franc back to Owlerton, he is a class act in the Premier League and we certainly feel he can go up a level from the form he showed for us last time.

“He has plenty of experience and knowledge of the Premier League tracks and I’m delighted to have him on board.

“We are working on options for our final team member and I would like to think we will have someone in place before the Christmas break.”