Wolves speedway fans deserve better, says owner

Wolves chiefs have so far revealed five of their squad as they look to bounce back following two below-par years on the track.

Speaking to supporters at the club's winter talk-in event at the Cleveland Arms pub last night, Van Straaten and manager Peter Adams confirmed Freddie Lindgren, Joonas Kylmakorpi and Mikkel Bech will be their heat leaders next season.

But the pair remained tight-lipped when questioned on the identity of their remaining two targets, only telling the 150-strong crowd they hope to have the final line-up resolved before the New Year.

Veteran Peter Karlsson and New Zealand's Ricky Wells, are not presently in their sights.

However, both could be possibilities should Wolves fail to land their top targets.

"We have two spaces to fill and there are a number of options available us," explained Van Straaten, when asked about the possibility of Karlsson returning to the club he skippered to the Elite League title back in 2009.

"Peter could feature in some of these options, though in our top one he does not.

"If we should trip up along the way he is a very good option to have sitting in the background."

Adams, however, stressed that Karlsson, who turns 46 next month, is not exactly "busting a gut" to secure a Wolves return.

Lindgren is the only survivor from last season's line-up and will start next season with a significantly reduced average after a frustrating year.

Van Straaten hopes that, after two campaigns in which they have pinned much of their hopes on a clear No.1, to have talent more evenly spread across the team next season.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "It's why we will take our time before naming these final two riders.

"We have to get it right. The fans deserve better."

Van Straaten also claimed the decision to host meetings on a fortnightly-basis from next year will allow the club to attract some of the sport's bigger names in the future.

Tickets, priced at £10, remain available for tomorrow's event with two-time world champion Tai Woffinden at the Cleveland Arms. Call 01902 451021 for more details.