WITH the Somerset Rebels season-opening press day on March 18 looming large on the horizon, it is a case of good news, bad news for the Somerset fans regarding the day as club promoter Debbie Hancock explains;

“The good news is that we have had what amounts to be a record number of season ticket holders compared to recent years, but with virtually all of them confirming that they are able to attend the afternoon rider introduction session, that, coupled with the number of sponsors and special guests, including our friends from the media, who are also attending.

"It does mean that we will not have the capacity to admit non-season ticket holders to the afternoon rider introduction session.

“We will, however, open the turnstiles an hour earlier than normal at 5pm ahead of our evening match against a Swindon Robins Select side in order that our other supporters can meet the 2016 team before they head out on track for the match itself.”

Confusion arose this week when Swindon’s Jason Doyle was named in a King’s Lynn line-up to face Polish club Wroclaw at the Adrian Flux Arena on the same evening as the Robins were due at the Oaktree Arena, with Swindon’s Nick Morris a squad member for the Polish visitors.

But it has since been confirmed that both will be part of the Swindon Select side at Somerset, with the Rebels bringing in ex-Robin Peter Kildemand in order to strengthen the top of their riding order.

With three riders racing for both Somerset and Swindon this season, league priority will be observed which means Rohan Tungate and Charles Wright will line up for the Rebels Select, with Josh Grajczonek racing for the Robins Select.

Swindon regulars Justin Sedgmen and Stefan Nielsen will join Doyle, Morris and Grajczonek along with club asset Darryl Ritchings and one rider to be confirmed.

“We were aware that there was a degree of uncertainty over the last 24 hours regarding Doyley and Nick, but it has been confirmed they will both be racing at Somerset for the Swindon Select side,” Hancock continued.

“I would like to thank the King’s Lynn promotion for their understanding in getting matters resolved and allowing Jason and Nick to line up for Swindon at the Oaktree Arena on March 18, when both Swindon and ourselves will be racing as ‘Select’ teams.”