He's back! World speedway champion Tai Woffinden returns to Wolves to aid title push

The Great Britain captain was called by Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten while in Sweden to congratulate him on his 26th birthday.

And he asked if he'd like to come back to the Monmore outfit for the rest of the season.

Woffinden, who is chasing a third world title this season, accepted the offer and said: "I'll be giving it everything I've got to try and help us win the league."

The 26-year-old will make an emotional return to Monmore Green for their vital clash with Lakeside on Monday week as a replacement for Joonas Kylmakorpi, who has been released.

Wolves sit second in the Elite League, 10 points behind Belle Vue, and have drafted in the world champion in the wake of their first home defeat of the season against the table-toppers on Monday.

He said: "I'm in Sweden right now and it was nice of Chris to call me and wish me happy birthday – but he then asked if I'd be interested in going back there to help their title push for the rest of the season.

"They've had a good season so far. I've still been following their results and if I was going to ride again in Britain then it was always going to be for my parent club.

"I can't think of anybody better to ride for – Chris and Pete Adams are my mates and I'm pleased to go back there to try and help us win a gold medal.

"I had no plans to return to British racing but this is a good opportunity for me and I'm really hoping it's a move which will benefit both Wolverhampton and myself.

"I can't wait to see all my Wolves fans again on August 22 against Lakeside.

"I'll be giving it everything I've got to try and help us win the league, we've got some important meetings coming up and I'm looking forward to it."

Team boss Peter Adams, who worked alongside Woffinden for three years on the Grand Prix circuit, said: "The first thing I want to say is how reluctant we were to release Joonas. He has been unlucky with injury, he has been a model professional and a joy to work with.

"There is no doubt the decision on who should make way was made with a heavy heart.

"However, this is an opportunity we simply had to take and personally I'm looking forward to working with Tai again.

"I will say, however, that the signing of Tai still doesn't guarantee us the title.

"We have to work hard as a team but to have the opportunity to bring in the world champion is something we cannot refuse."