Stead joins Workington in PL record deal.

Simon Stead has been snapped up by Workington from Peterborough to complete their 2003 side for a fee said to be a record amount for a Premier League rider. Stead has spent the last few seasons on-loan with Sheffield, where he won two Premier League championships and numerous other major pieces of silverware.

During his time with Sheffield, Stead improved year after year to develop in to arguably the finest British speedway prospect. The double British Under-21 title holder did not have the best of times in 2002 season spending a large portion of it on the injured list.

First, an early season hand injury forced him on to the sidelines then no sooner had he returned to the saddle before an opponent ran over his foot in a world championship round which put the unfortunate 20 year-old out again and in need of delicate surgery.

He did make a further return toward the back end of the season to play his part in Sheffield's treble-winning effort and was expected to remain for another year with the Tigers before making the step-up to the Elite League full time.

But then Sheffield made a shock announcement that Stead did not figure in their plans for the forthcoming season. Conjecture soon linked him with a move to Cumbria where he will now form half of probably the most powerful twin-attack in the league as he teams up with Carl Stonehewer.

With the team they have assembled, Workington look set for a much more successful time in 2003. Stonehewer and Stead are backed up by Rusty Harrison, Kauko Niemenen, Aidan and Chris Collins plus Blair Scott. With a mixture of proven points scoring and the potential for significant improvement throughout, Stead's arrival can make the Comets shine very brightly indeed.