Stancl joins Newcastle.

The Newcastle Diamonds have made the first signing for the new look 2006 team. Talks went remarkably well, and on Thursday the fine details were concluded with 30-year-old Czech star rider, George Stancl putting pen to paper and signing on the dotted line for the 2006 Diamonds in a loan from the Glasgow Tigers.

His signing marks the end of a 36-month long persuit of Stancl by the Tyneside club, who beat off the challenge of 2 other clubs, once he had turned down the offer from his parent club who had wanted him for a 5th consecutive season.

Stancl is a quality high-scoring rider with a tough reputation for piling up big points at almost all of the UK tracks, and that will be a massive benefit for the Diamonds on their travels next season.

Stancl's joing the club is in no way as a replacement for last's years top man, James Grieve, oh no, as it is hoped very soon that the Scot's parent promotion, Wolverhampton, may give their permission for Newcastle to talk to him with a view to bringing him back in 2006. As yet Wolves have refused permission for re-signing contract talks to commence.

Talks are still taking place with Berwick's Josef "Pepe" Franc in the hope to get his signiture for the 2006 season so he can continue his excellent run with Newcastle that started last year. Berwick gladly gave Newcastle permission to speak to the Czech, and negotiations are in full flight.

Team Manager George English Said: "George Stancl is a fantastic signing, we have been after George for a long time and we have finally got him. We are looking to have a more balanced side for the 2006 season, and a side well capable of scoring well Country-wide, not just at home. What a superb Christmas present George is for our fans!"

Stancl said "Last year I still had unfinished business with Glasgow and it was the right thing to stay with them and win the Premier League Pairs title with Shane Parker. Now it definitely feels the right time to help my nearest club to win some silverware - I've enjoyed being a guest for Newcastle in the past and it's a big plus to live only 15 minutes from my home track instead of nearly three hours."