Speedway will return to Plymouth's St Boniface Arena this Friday

The Plymouth Devils are gearing up for their first fixture of the season when they host Weymouth Wildcats at the St Boniface Arena this Friday.

Five riders from last season will be joined by two new arrivals for what Devils chairman Mike Bowden promises will be an exciting season.

"Success for Plymouth speedway would be winning the league and another trophy," Bowden told BBC Radio Devon.

"It's basically four exciting laps over in one minute," he added.

With Exeter Falcons still homeless, St Boniface will be the only place for Devon speedway fans to get a slice of the action.

Skipper Seemond Stephens, Tom Brown, Ben Hobwood, Jaimie Pickard will reappear for the Devils along with Nicki Glanz, who commutes to Plymouth from Denmark.

Seemond Stephens is the Devils captain (Nigel Chanter)

Former Exeter Falcon Stephens says he does not feel any extra responsibility as captain: "It's just they see me as more level headed really."

"I'm older and have been around a bit longer. If I can pass on any tips I will. I do that anyway regardless of whether I was captain or not if people ask me for advice."

Of the sometimes dangerous reputation speedway has for its brake-less bikes, Stephens added: "It's safer than on the road, at least we're all going round the same way. There are paramedics here, no-one's drunk or on drugs, and we've all got an idea what we're doing."

The two new team riders are Kyle Hughes and Paul Stark from Buxton.

Stark says he was pleased to join the Devils: "They've got a good drag and a good fanbase - everyone helps you."