Potters gearing up for new season

John Woolridge will take charge of Stoke Potters for the 2009 season

Stoke Potters manager John Woolridge is confident that his new team can win a trophy in the 2009 season.

The Potters have a much-changed line-up for the new campaign, and Woolridge believes it is a stronger group.

"We've tried to build a team with strength in depth and I've really got a lot of confidence in this team," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

"The Stoke public have been so loyal and I'd like to get some silverware here this year for them."

The Potters' first action of 2009 will be a challenge match against Birmingham at Loomer Road on Saturday 21 March before their first Premier Trophy match of the season away at Scunthorpe on Friday 27 March.

Lee Complin will captain the team this year and he is in no doubt that they can be successful.

The 24-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke: "I think the achievement side of things is endless.

"There are seven riders in this team, and if we all pull together we are definitely going to bring that silverware in."

Complin insisted he is in the best physical condition he has ever been, following a car accident in May 2008 that left him unable to ride for four months.

"I've never been as fit," said Complin. "It's spurred me on to get myself fitter quicker.

"I do believe things happened for a reason, it's just one of those things."

Woolridge has replaced John Adams as full-time manager this season, and after spending three years as the promoter at Stoke Potters during the late 1990s, he is happy to be back with the team.

"I've always had a soft spot for Stoke speedway, and I'm back here full-time now so it's good," said Woolridge.

"Myself and (Stoke promoter) Dave Tattum have discussed every rider that we've signed and we really feel we've got it right this year."

The Stoke Potters line-up consists of Complin, Glen Phillips, Tom P Madsen, Jason Bunyan, Phil Morris, Jesper Kristiansen and Klaus Jakobsen.