SHEFFIELD Tigers are delighted to confirm the appointment of Richard Hall as their new skipper for the 2012 speedway season.

Hall is returning to Owlerton after spending last season out on loan and will lead a revamped Tigers team.

He will make his first appearance as captain when the Sheffield Window Centre-sponsored side will face Elite League Belle Vue at Owlerton on March 22.

Tigers co-promoter David Hoggart said: “Richard deserves this opportunity, both Neil Machin and myself talked it through and we both agreed he is the man for the job.

“He is the kind of rider who will always give you maximum effort and he will do that for us both on and off the track, so we’re delighted he has accepted this opportunity.

“We have had some fine captains down the years and it is an important job but we feel Richard is well capable of taking on the challenge.”

Hall will be special guest at a meeting of supporters this Thursday at SAHA Social Club, Fulwood Road, Sheffield at 8pm when he will be answering questions about the new season.