Former three-times British champion and England international Andy Smith has been appointed rider-coach to Oxford Silver Machine's Conference League team.

Andy Smith

He will make his debut on Friday night in a re-named Oxford Silver Machine Academy team dropping the 'kids' image, as many of the riders, including Smith are in their mid-30s.

Other appointments see Pete Chapman as Academy director, former Cheetahs rider Spencer Timmo as coach, Bryn Williams, team manager and Chris Brown, academy cordinator.

Smith is one of the most experienced riders in the country, having began his career at Belle Vue as a 16-year-old. He has made only two appearances for the Silver Machine this year in the British League Cup and races mainly in Europe.

He was an ever-present in the Grand Prix until this year, having ridden from 1995, making it eight years on the trot.

Oxford promoter Nigel Wagstaff said: "To have Andy available in this capacity is a great thing for the club. He will help the youngsters no end and he's very keen."

On Friday, he leads the Academy team into their Conference League home debut against the Carmarthen Dragons at Oxford Stadium (7.30).

They will also include Ricky Scarboro, who rode so well in the BLC clash against Reading last Friday, and Chris Johnson, who scored 15 points in the junior international aginst Germany on Tuesday.

Admission is £7, and the upper part of the Stadium complex will be closed.