Compton has had two separate spells with the Tigers

Sheffield Tigers promoter Neil Machin believes retiring rider Andre Compton still has a part to play in the future of the club.

The outgoing captain, 31, will make his last appearance for the Tigers in Thursday's challenge match against an Owlerton Outlaws select team.

"Andre is a great ambassador for the Tigers, so we don't want to lose that," Machin told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"But in terms of an official role with the club it's just too early to say."

Compton announced his retirement after the South Yorkshire side's defeat to the Isle of Wight in the Young Shield, which ended their competitive season.

Machin added: "Andre has become the nuts and bolts of Sheffield and remained the man to beat and we all feel he is retiring too soon.

"With his business interests now demanding more of his time he has had to make this tough decision.

"As he is such a professional, he always wants to commit to something 100% and do it properly, and if he can't do that he won't do it at all.".

Compton has enjoyed a 15-year racing career

Compton made his speedway debut racing for Bradford in 1993 and has also ridden for Newcastle, Stoke and Buxton.

He joined the Sheffield Tigers in 1998, and was ever present in the side that won the League in 1999.

The Dewsbury-born rider then had an ill-fated spell at Peterborough in the Elite League in 2000 and, after rides with various other teams, returned to the Tigers in 2003.

In 2004 Compton achieve a career highlight when he won the Premier League Riders' Championship.

"I know he will not be very far away from motorcycling racing and the Tigers, whatever else he is doing," Machin said.

"We expect to still see a lot of him at Owlerton, I'm sure he'll be popping down to catch races and have meals in the restaurant.

Compton will now bow out at a special arranged event on Thursday to mark his contribution to the Tigers.

The Outlaws' line up will include riders such as Lee Complin, Ben Powell and Richard Hall.

"This is Compton's last stand and we wanted a competitive meeting and some proper opposition for it as tribute to him," explained Machin.

"We have some great riders competing against us, it's the toughest possible opposition we could assemble.

"I'm sure Andre will finish with a big bang and we are all looking forward to it."