ANDERSEN EXTENDS PANTHERS STAY

23/02/2023

ANDERSEN EXTENDS PANTHERS STAYANDERSEN EXTENDS PANTHERS STAY

Peterborough boss Carl Johnson is backing Danish veteran Hans Andersen to prove a trump card as he returns to the East of England Showground for 2023.

Andersen is a two-time league title winner with the Panthers, leading them to their unforgettable Elite League Grand Final win at home to Reading in 2006 and then playing his part in the famous Dad’s Army side of 2021.

The former Speedway GP winner comes into the side on what appears to be a bargain 4.93 average, and teams up with seven-time Danish champion Niels-Kristian Iversen, Benjamin Basso, Richie Worrall, Ben Cook and Rising Star reserve Jordan Jenkins, with one final name to be revealed.

Johnson believes the former world No.5 could play a key role for Peterborough. He said: “We believe in what Hans can do, we believe in his ability, and we’ve got faith in him.

“If we didn’t have that faith then he wouldn’t be in the team, it’s as simple as that. We wouldn’t bring someone in who we didn’t think was going to be able to do a job for us.

“Hans struggled last season with different things, but towards the end of the season he put in some good scores, and I’m confident he can put at least a point on his average from last year.

“I think we have a strong middle order with him and Richie (Worrall) there, and it’s one that’s capable of scoring points on a lot of tracks.

“We also have a rider in Ben Cook who has the potential to move into the main body of the team, although ideally in his first season we’d like to keep him at reserve where he can learn.

“But if it does happen that he moves up, then we should be strong at reserve whoever drops down, and certainly with riders capable of winning heat two on any track.

“It’s a fresh start for Hans with a different team around him, something different to get his teeth into, and it should work out for him – it’s good to have him back.”

Photo: Taylor Lanning