JAMES Cockle has revealed how he turned Sheffield down before finally agreeing to join the club during the winter.

Cockle wanted a southern base so rejected Neil Machin's initial offer and looked destined for Mildenhall.

He said: "I said no because I wanted somewhere local. Then Neil came back and, here I am, signed and ready to ride for Sheffield!"

LISTEN TO JAMES COCKLE'S FIRST INTERVIEW WITH THE ALL-NEW SHEFFIELD SPEEDWAYCALL 09068 664 670. Calls 60p/min.