ANDRE Compton will be back to lead the Pirtek Tigers in their 2007 Premier League campaign.

The skipper has taken up the second year of his option to stay with the club, an arrangement negotiated as part of his contract last season - and Compton will also have a say in the rest of the team-building at Owlerton.

Co-promoter Neil Machin has already indicated that two of last season's top five will have to be released in order for Tigers to come under the 40-point limit.

Machin said: "We're delighted to have Andre back with us. He was, and will continue to be, one of the top performers in the Premier League and I believe he will have the desire to actually be the top man.

"Andre is aware we have some hard decisions to make and, like the management, he is determined to see the team as strong as possible.

"There are a lot of people who want to ride for Sheffield which is very flattering, and I can also say nobody from the 2006 team wants to leave."