German rider Loof is based in the UK

The German rider is pleased to be allowed a second chance to ride in British speedway, after a previous move to Newcastle had fallen through.

"I have been trying to get a team place in Britain for three years now, and it was looking as if 2008 was going to be another one on the sidelines," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to riding for the Rebels," added the 24-year-old.

The Rebels' new signing is also pleased at the prospect of linking up with compatriot Stephan Katt at the Oak Tree Arena.

I said that I would not sign a rider just as a stop-gap Somerset promoter Mike Golding

"Having a fellow German in the team can only be of benefit to me," said Loof. "We were actually team-mates with Brokstedt for a few years and we always got on well."

Loof's first attempt at riding in British speedway with Newcastle proved abortive when it transpired that he had ridden two matches in the Danish Elite League. This moved his assessed average to 8.00, making it too high for the Diamonds to include him in their team.

The BSPA Management Committee agreed to change his assessed average to 5.00 points on Monday, allowing Loof to sign for the Rebels, much to the relief of promoter Mike Golding.

He said: "I said as soon as I knew that Tom [Hedley] wasn't going to take up his team place with Somerset that I would not sign a rider just as a stop-gap and that whoever I signed would maintain the balance of the team," he said.