YOUR SL23 NEWPORT EXILES

Five members of last years squad, a returning loanee and a experienced international of the reigning International League Champions make up the Exiles starting line-up for SL23.

Captained by Alan Tuukkanen, who endeared himself to home fans by averaging almost ten around Spytty Park, the Finnish international believes that, having gone so close to promotion last term, this group can go at least one better.

"We look very strong up top. It's an incredible top four to have in Division Three. The only member of it who is not hoping to be part of the World Cup is Oki(sana Chaplinski) and that's because they aren't in it!"

Promoter Steve Moore was equally bullish when asked for his thoughts:

"We are delighted to have Oksana back, he was superb for Derby last term and is a big part of why they stayed in the division. Alan (Tuukkanen) and Nota (Gyorok) were both excellent additions last year and we are delighted to have them back."

So the team to start SL 23, in racing order, is as follows with Steve's individual comments on each:

1. ALAN TUUKKANEN (C) 9.14

'You can tell Alan is captaincy material within a couple of minutes of speaking with him. We are delighted to have him and you can tell there is still a fire that rages in him. It's almost like the fact that he has never been national champion is a injustice that HAS to be put right!'

2. OKSANA CHAPLINSKI 7.40

'We all know about Oki's post teenage struggles. However, last year showed a great improvement in his maturity and his performances in Derby proved reflected it. Ask any Bucks fan, without him, they would be with us in Division Three this year.'

3. JAKUB KACZOWKA 8.96

'It's always exciting to bring in riders from the continent. What is especially exciting about Jakub is that he is probably at the peak of his powers. With a higher average at Kassel last year than he has ever achieved before and the carrot of a World Cup this year, these are just as exciting times for him as they are for us.'

4. ROSS HALSEY 4.08

'Last year was a big step forward for Ross. Actually attaining an average for the first time. That confidence should hopefully see him kick on again in the main body of the team, while knowing that Iain (Meadows) will be hot on his heels to displace him.'

5. NOTA GYOROK 8.75

'Nota will tell you himself that moving to Brockmoor was the worst move he could have made. It was a promotion that was unfortunately on it's last legs and it killed all the momentum he had built up at Kelso. Everyone at Spytty could see just how happier he was in the surroundings and he deservedly got back into the Hungarian side as a result.

6. IAIN MEADOWS 3.41

'Iain is hugely talented. As anyone who can actually attain an average as a rookie teenager must be. He is really excited to go to Verwood for the British U-21 Semi and we fully believe here that he should make the final.'

7. ACADEMY RIDER 3.00

'We believe in our academy and that it is the long-term future of the club. Therefore, to leave this spot open for our academy riders to fight for provides healthy competition. They can also see the progression that Ross and Iain have made as something realistic and attainable.'