SHEFFIELD Tigers have pulled off the stunning swoop for triple World Champion Nicki Pedersen.

And manager Simon Stead says it’s the biggest signing in the club’s history – and in recent British Speedway history.

Dynamic Dane Pedersen has been one of the most high profile riders in the last 20 years, taking the world gold medal in 2003, 07 and 08.

“It’s massive news for Sheffield and massive news for British Speedway,” said Stead. “It’s a statement of intent from the owners of the club.

“We aren’t going up into the Premiership just to make up the numbers and this signing underlines that.

“It’s the biggest signing the club has ever made in my opinion and also the biggest signing British Speedway has made in recent years.

“Nicki has been the ultimate professional throughout the negotiation process. He has stuck to his word, we have spoken whenever he said we would speak and we have got where we wanted to be.

“I would also like to thank Ashley Holloway for his assistance in bringing the two parties together.

“I’m so excited I might have to get my kevlars on at press day and do some laps with him!”

Now Stead wants to see the ambition shown by the club matched by support on the Owlerton terraces.

“The owners cannot do more than they have,” he said. “We are back in the top league for the first time in 30 years, we are back racing on a Thursday night and we have a three-time World Champion riding for us.

“It’s great news for us all and I personally hope this proves to be a boost for the sport throughout Great Britain. Nicki is box office, nobody can argue with that!”

Pedersen joins fans’ favourite Kyle Howarth in a sensational start to team building with more names coming soon. His last spell in the UK was with Peterborough eight years ago.

And reaction from Nicki himself will follow in the coming days.