Old stars return to Monmore

The Swedish pair agreed terms in their homeland yesterday after a flying visit by promoter Chris Van Straaten, writes Tim Hamblin.

Karlsson's younger brother Magnus is also back - but their other sibling, Mikael Max, has opted not to return to Britain for the opening of the new season.

The three deals, added to the already secured signings of Billy Hamill, David Howe and Theo Pijper, all but complete Wolves' line-up.

Van Straaten confirmed that Edinburgh's William Lawson is still in the club's plans to repeat his season doubling up in one of the reserve berths.

"We're second in line to speak to an English rider to share that role," said Van Straaten today.

The Parrys International Wolves promoter would not name the target.

But he is previously on record as having inquired about Steve Boxall, and the Rye House hotshot is probably the man.

Van Straaten was delighted to secure the services once more of the elder Karlsson and Lindgren to join Hamill in a reprise of the 2006 top three.

"I think we are very fortunate to be able to put that top three on the track again," he said.

"It's not often that you can do that in a following season because of the averages.

"I think that is a top three as good as anything else in the league.

"Speaking to the riders yesterday they were delighted that Billy Hamill has rejoined. He brings so much more than just his points on track, with his bubbliness in the pits and his attitude."

Van Straaten has reluctantly accepted Max's decision not to return to Britain for the start of the new campaign.

The rider made a late start to the 2006 season following serious injury, and his performances suffered.

"I've been in touch with Mikael since towards the end of last season, when we were organising guest bookings with Wolves for him which eventually fell through due to the weather," said Van Straaten.

"He was a pale shadow of the rider he was before. He felt if he had another season like that in Britain, then he would retire.

"He feels he wants to start next year on the Swedish and Polish tracks, the wide open spaces, get some scores in and return to being the rider we know.

"Come June or July, who knows what the picture might be?"

Wolves agonised long and hard about offering a top five place to Magnus Karlsson, whose form and confidence suffered a big dip last year.

In addition the rider was caught in the middle when fixtures in Sweden and Britain conflicted - and chose his home country.

He also became a father for the first time, which Van Straaten felt affected him mentally.

"What swung it for Magnus was his form in the last two matches," said Van Straaten. "He was mounted on Peter Karlsson's machinery and the difference was there for all to see.

"We have structured his contract in such a way that he will be far better equipped next year."

Van Straaten stressed that, following discussions with Swedish authority SVEMO, British fixtures will be given priority unless they are rearranged for new dates. "We know where we stand now," he said.

Of last year's side, Ben Wilson has not been re-engaged to double up and will ride again with Premier League Sheffield.

Ronnie Correy has switched to Edinburgh and Christian Hefenbrock has been given permission to talk to other clubs.