POPULAR Tigers speedway ace Paul Cooper is backing the club for success in the forthcoming season.

Cooper, who returns from a racing holiday to the USA soon, is raring to go along with four other members of last season's team.

And he reckons the arrival of experienced former Hull and Workington man Lee Smethills is a key winter signing.

Said Cooper: "It's great to be able to be riding with some familiar faces and to have Lee Smethills at reserve gives us some added firepower.

"There was a great team spirit last season and I see no reason why we can't have all that again with five of last season's seven rdiers back with us.

"We were a good side last season so there is no reason why we cannot be a good side this time around."

* SHEFFIELD hold their press and practice session from 3pm on Thursday, March 6, at Owlerton Stadium.

The opening meeting of the season is Thursday, March 13, with opposition to be confirmed.