CRADLEY have finalised their squad for the new speedway season by signing teenager Tyler Govier as their stand-by rider.

Govier, 18, will be used on the occasions when a Heathens reserve is unavailable and, although his opportunities will be limited, he is excited by the challenge of joining the reigning champions.

Having been handed the opportunity to join the “best club in the National League”, the 18 year old is keen to build on the experience he has gained with Buxton and Devon over the past two seasons.

Govier said: “I’d like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity, and enabling me to be part of such a great club.

“Cradley is the best club in the National League, they’ve been really successful over the last few years and the chance to be part of that was something I just couldn’t turn down really.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started, and hopefully I can take the opportunities I’m given.

“I’ve got some experience already in the National League which will help me, I had quite a successful season riding for Devon last year.

“2013 was a tough year for me, being thrown into the deep end a bit at Buxton riding at number two in my first year in the National League. But last year I was scoring solid points and learned a lot over the course of the season, so I’ll be looking to carry that on into the new season.

“I’m still on my three point average which is a bonus, and hopefully when the opportunities to ride for Cradley come along I can take them with both hands.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of such a great club, and I just hope when I get the chance I can do a good job and score some points to help make sure it’s another good season for the club.”

Govier will join his new team mates for the first time at Cradley’s press and practice on Wednesday, March 11 – followed by the club’s season launch event that same night at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill.

Press and Practice will start at 2pm and entry is by donation (minimum £2) with proceeds split between the Speedway Riders’ Benevolent Fund and Ricky Ashworth’s Benefit meeting.

The season launch, hosted by Ian ‘Porky’ Jones, will start at 8pm and will also feature the revealing of the 2015 Heathens race jacket with one available for auction on the night. All money from the evening will go to the riders.

Tickets, priced £5, are available from the club’s website or the club shop at Printworx, High Street, Quarry Bank.