RETURNING favourite Scott Nicholls insists Peterborough can overcome a shaky start to 2019 by following the example of Thursday’s opponents Poole (7.30).
The Crendon Panthers drafted in the seven-time British champion and Josh Bates on Tuesday in a bid to lift things following a tough return to top-tier racing.
First up for the new duo is a clash with the most successful club of the modern era with the Pirates heading to the Showground for the second time this season.
The Dorset outfit beat the odds to lift last season’s crown and Nicholls, fresh from a successful temporary stint with Wolverhampton, believes Peterborough can do the same. “It has been a quick turnaround for me but I was here last season and it is also where my career began back in 1994. I am looking forward to it and cannot wait to get started,” said Nicholls.
“It is all about making the play-offs. Look at how many times Poole have been dead and buried, bottom of the table with people laughing at them only to make changes, turn it around and win the league. “You see it the other way too, teams going really well that then crash out of the play-offs.
“The club had to do something. They have had an unfortunate run but there is still a lot of fixtures left and now it is about making the play-offs and then gelling to hit form at the right time.
“There is no point peaking now and being off form come September time.” Nicholls is a straight swap for Ben Barker at number three with Bates slotting in at reserve and Bradley Wilson-Dean moving up to number two in place of the departed Lasse Bjerre.
The Pirates, who lost 46-44 when they last visited in April, have two guests with Danny King and Dimitri Berge in for Nicolai Klindt and Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen, both of whom are riding in their national championship in Denmark.
*To read the full welcome interview with Scott Nicholls, pick up a copy of our official Panthers programme. Packed with exclusive content, facts and stats it is a bargain at £3.
PETERBOROUGH: Hans Andersen, Bradley Wilson-Dean, Scott Nicholls, Charles Wright, Rohan Tungate, Aaron Summers, Josh Bates. Team manager: Carl Johnson. POOLE: Jack Holder, Richie Worrall, Danny King, Josh Grajczonek, Brady Kurtz, Nico Covatti, Dimitri Berge. Team manager: Neil Middleditch.