Peter Karlsson is new Wolves captain

Wolves speedway legend Peter Karlsson is the new Monmore Green club captain.

And the 41-year-old has also been given a double mentoring role for the club's less experienced reserve pairing of Ricky Wells and Tyson Burmeister.

Not only will he be handing out advice as skipper but his No 5 riding position means he will partner one or other of the Americans in three of his four scheduled outings.

Wells is still only 19 but was riding in the Elite League two seasons ago while 26-year-old Burmeister, a converted supercross rider, first threw a leg over a speedway machine in September 2008.

Karlsson said: "Of course Ricky is not a newcomer, he knows what it is all about. Tyson is more of a newcomer, but he is quite an experienced motorcycle rider.

"I wish them all the best and we're going to make sure we get the best out of them."

Karlsson hadn't sought the captain's role after a year on loan at Belle Vue and had been given no inkling before getting the nod at last night's practice session at Monmore.

He said: "I hadn't been told about it until team manager Peter Adams. There you go, captain.

"For myself I don't think I'm an automatic choice but I guess the lads must have been talking about it and feel comfortable."

Last year's captain Tai Woffinden had to cope with the death of his father Rob shortly before the season started.

Now Woffinden wants 2011 to be a year with no outside distractions to take focus away from his league racing.

Adams said: "I read before Tai Woffinden got back from Australia that he wanted to offload all shackles this season. So the decision was made for me.

"We're happy with that. Peter is a born leader and he will step in as normal."