Bishop is new Rebels team manager.

With Mick Bell's decision not to carry on as team manager for the Somerset 'Mike Manning Audio' Rebels going forward into 2007, club promoter Mike Golding has wasted no time in finding Bell's replacement, the new man at the helm being ex-Rebel favourite Steve Bishop.

"Steve was my first choice for the position and I am very please that 'Bish' has accepted the role." Explained a delighted Golding. "Steve is well respected in the South West as well as the sport as a whole, and should relate well to the riders." "He will have full responsibility for team matters on race days and has been kept fully informed about team selection ahead of the new season."

For many Rebel fans, Bishop is 'Mr Somerset Speedway,' being a member of the team right from their birth in 2000, and will always go down in history as the first Somerset rider to win a race in Rebel colours. The call to the team manager role, however, came as something of a surprise to the Bristolian.

"When I got the phone call from Mike, it came as a bolt out of the blue, for a minute I thought he was ringing to offer me a team place for 2007!" joked Bishop. "In all seriousness though, whilst Mick [Bell] will be a hard act to follow I am really looking forward to the role, it's great to stay involved in the sport. Now all it leaves is for me to hope that Santa brings me a rule book for Christmas!"

In addition to Bishop's confirmation as team manager, the Somerset 'Mike Manning Audio' Rebels are delighted to confirm their next two signings, which will see the return to the Oak Tree Arena of Ritchie Hawkins, together with Jordan Frampton who will fill one of the two reserve berths.

For Hawkins his signing sees him return to the Oak Tree Arena after spending a season away at Workington, a season that ended prematurely due to a serious head injury.

"I had a good chat with Mike Golding earlier in the week, and I must say that I am really impressed with his plans for the club going forward." Explained Hawkins. "I have just moved house to the Poole area, so I will not have to face the long Friday night journey from Peterborough to Highbridge." "It will be good to return to Somerset, but I think my time at Workington last year helped to improve me as a rider, it was just a shame it came to a sudden end due to my injury, an injury from which I am now fully recovered."

Hawkins, the 2004 British Under 21 Champion, was a member of the Somerset team that successfully captured the Premier League 'Fours' Championship in 2005 and comes into to Somerset team on a 6.40 average.

21-year-old Frampton came to prominence last season riding in the after meeting second half events at the Oak Tree Arena, impressing many with his performances, so much so that he was offered a team berth with Mildenhall towards the latter half of last season. However, it is with Somerset that the Poole based youngster will be competing the 2007 campaign, a move that pleases Frampton, as he explained.

"I'm really happy with the move to Somerset, I just love riding the track, and to be in the same team as a rider such as Zorro [Magnus Zetterstrom] can only be to my long term benefit." "I rode for Poole last year in the Southern Area League, and got to know Mike Golding quite well, so it will be great to work with him at Somerset."

With Hawkins and Frampton joining Zetterstrom and Kramer as confirmed starters for Somerset next season, it leave just three team positions available, and the fans can look forward to further announcements in the near future.