Trigger reassures his new Plymouth Devils team over the threat of the axe

PLYMOUTH Devils team manager Lee Trigger has insisted he won't be holding the axe over his riders' heads this season.

Last season, as Plymouth struggled to escape bottom place in the Premier League, riders were cut regularly.

This season, however, with the Devils under new ownership and Trigger being allowed to pick his own starting seven, he's more inclined to try and keep the team together.

The Devils' team boss made it clear new riders will be given time to settle into the side.

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Trigger said: "Last year, we couldn't cope in the Premier League with the riders we had got, so there had to be changes made.

"We started last year with four riders who were actually up to it and it was my idea to change it quickly.

"We were weak on paper and we needed to beef up.

"This year, it's completely different because I know I've got four good heat leaders.

"I don't think we are going to have to use the axe on anyone."

Trigger added: "I'm not putting time limits on any rider to perform, because it's a new team and we haven't yet performed as a unit.

"I am really happy with what I've got in the team and I have got confidence in them.

"On paper, we've got some good riders – and, let's face it, if they don't get the points, they don't get paid, so it's in their interests to put in good performances.

"It's all positive at the moment and everybody's looking forward to the new season.

"If I'm honest, my expectations are probably too high, but I think we're going to do well.

"Our main aim is to get into the play-offs, which means we've got to get into the top six.

"It would also be good to do well in the League Cup, although we've got a tough draw in the first round of the Knock Out Cup against Newcastle.

"But there's no way in the world we're going to end up like we did last year, at the bottom of the league. I'm not going to let that happen."

Trigger, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the club's supporters.

The Devils' supporters' club have been resurrected and members are raising funds to support the Plymouth riders.

On Monday, the supporters are holding a race night at the Railway Club at Laira, which starts at 7.30pm.

Trigger said: "The supporters are absolutely crucial this season.

"Whatever they make when they hold events goes 100 per cent to the riders, which is going to benefit speedway in Plymouth as a whole.

"In the end, it will help attract riders to the club if they are looked after well."