Leigh will ride his fifth Elite League season

The Essex side have been made joint favourites for the Elite League by some bookmakers and Lanham believes the team are capable of having a good season.

He told BBC Essex: "It's early days, but on paper we look good.

"We've got world class riders in the team and youngsters who are only going to improve and probably become world class riders."

Leigh began his speedway career in 1993 with his hometown club Ipswich He was the highest points scorer in the 2003 Premier League Leigh celebrated his Hammers testimonial in 2005

Lanham, who joined the Purfleet club in 1998, will start the year as the side's only British-born rider in the Hammers' regular starting line-up.

Having been with the club through some rocky times, Lanham is excited at the club's prospects for the season ahead:

"Obviously I've seen a few managements come in and we've got Stuart and Jon now who have new ideas and new things going on, so I'm very pleased to be a part of the club."

As one of the side's most respected rider, there may be times when the younger riders will want call on his vast experience, something which Leigh is happy to oblige with:

"If anyone wants to speak to me about anything, then I'll help them when I can, if I can."

The Hammers' get their Elite League season under way with an away fixture at Belle Vue Aces on 31 March.