Wolves rider unfazed by drop
Wolves speedway rider David Howe is taking one step back to make a giant leap forward this year.
The asset suffered an alarming plunge in form following a scintillating start last year.
He drops down a division on loan in 2009 to spearhead Scunthorpe's side, after 10 successive campaigns in the top flight.
But the 26-year-old feels the switch will help him return to – and even surpass – the form that took him to second place in the British Final in 2007 and a wildcard spot in the British Grand Prix at Cardiff.
He said: "I'm not looking at it as a step backwards. I want to come out of the Premier League a better rider – not just better than I was last year but better than the year before.
"Obviously I want to do as well as I can for Scunthorpe. It's a new and different challenge for me. I'm very, very excited by it and I want to be the number one Scunthorpe are looking for."
The gifted Howe has excited and frustrated Wolves fans throughout his time with the club – sometimes in the same meeting.
Although he will be away from the Elite League spotlight, his new role will bring its own demands as he attempts to shoulder the burden of an average that converts to a whopping 10 points in the PL.
That could be a heavy load to carry for a notoriously self-analytical rider, but Howe remains unfazed.
He said: "I'm going into the Premier League with my eyes wide open. It's obviously easier than the Elite League – but for me it's not easier! I'm not there to get six to eight points a week – I'm looking for nine, 10 and beyond.
"I've heard people say I'm under immense pressure because of that average, but I don't see it like that. Nobody puts more pressure on me than myself.
"I've got my own aims and targets. They are going to be higher than anyone else puts on me."
A good campaign at Scunthorpe would reignite the debate on whether Howe should be included in team plans, for what would be his seventh season with the Parrys International Wolves in 2010.
Mention of his long-term future at Monmore brings a first pause to Howe's articulate flow.
He said: "I don't know. I love – loved – my time at Wolves, even though we had a few ups and downs. I'm not ruling out going back.
"But I'm not looking at anything further than this year at the minute."
