GRESHAM Oxford Cheetahs boss Steve Purchase finalised his 1998 line-up with the capture of Alun Rossiter and Lawrence Hare.

He announced his full one-to-seven at a packed speedway forum at Oxford Stadium, but there will be a new team manager to lead them.

Last season's boss Martin Goodwin has had to pull out because of work commitments, but will remain with the club in an advisory capacity. The new team manager has yet to be announced.

The much-travelled Rossiter received a good reception from fans who, when he was a Swindon rider, used to give him plenty of stick.

Purchase said: "Alun was so keen to come and ride for us, and I liked that."

The 33-year-old, who will be joining his ninth club in a career spanning 17 years, said: "I firmly believe Oxford will be challenging for the title.

"When you look at other teams, they don't have the strength throughout like we do. The knee injury I suffered at Bradford that laid me off for a long time is now alright and I am raring to go again with a new challenge." Hare, who has just returned from a Mexican holiday, said: "With the injury I suffered at Newport in July last year, I have had a long off-season. I am fully fit now, and although it was really tough in the Elite last year, I am hoping the format will make things a little easier.

"I now have the best equipment I've ever had, so it's make or break for me this year."

Paul Hurry also joined the two new signings and announced that Oxford Motors have upped their sponsorship for the England international and recently-crowned Telford Indoor Ice champion.

Former Cheetah Simon Wigg, who has been forced to hang up his leathers because of epilepsy, outlined the formula for his farwell meeting on Sunday, March 28.

Cheetahs will be getting in some practice on Monday, March 22 and the serious stuff starts at Coventry in the Craven Shield on Saturday, March 27, with the return at Oxford on Good Friday evening.

Easter Monday sees a trip to Peterborough, also in the Craven Shield. The Elite League fixtures, true to form, have yet to be published.

Story date: Monday 01 March

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