Devils confirm Berwick as an asset rider for 2010

PLYMOUTH Devils chief Mike Bowden has confirmed he has signed Daniel Berwick as a full asset rider.

Berwick, 22, rode for Plymouth's National League rivals the Isle of Wight last year.

But he will represent the Devils in 2010, after joining them on a full contract, where he will ride as a reserve.

Berwick becoming an asset for the city side means that should he ever leave, then he would command a transfer fee.

"Daniel Berwick has now been signed as a Plymouth asset and I am delighted to have him here at the club," said Bowden.

"I agreed a deal with the Isle of Wight to bring Daniel here on a full contract and I am now looking forward to seeing how he goes.

"Daniel is a class act – he is a top young rider, who has bags of ability.

"He is raring to go and ready to try and impress and I cannot wait to see him riding as part of a Plymouth Devils team who I believe will prove competitive this year."

Berwick, who started his professional career with Sittingbourne, will ride on a three point average in 2010.

Meanwhile, former Devil Matt Bates will ride against his old team this season after agreeing a deal to join Mildenhall Fen Tigers.

Bates initially joined the city side in 2006 and rode for Plymouth for one season before leaving.

The 19-year-old re-signed last summer and did well, being promoted from reverse into the main body of the team as a result.

However, with each national League team having to build their team around a 42.50 points average, Bowden decided against bringing Bates back this year.

Bates, who is based in Exeter, will ride for Mildenhall with an average of 6.00.

Fen Tigers' co-chairman Ray Mascall said: "We are really pleased to have signed Matt who we believe will progress with us at Mildenhall.

"We look forward to seeing him develop further at West Row."