Middlo backing new GB boss (From Bournemouth Echo)

Middlo backing new GB boss

7:39pm Sunday 13th July 2008 in

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FORMER Great Britain team manager Neil Middleditch believes they can cause an upset and win World Team Cup round two at Coventry tomorrow night (7.30pm).

Middleditch stepped down from the part-time national boss role he carried out alongside his main job as Pirates manager earlier this season.

So it's the first time in seven years that Middlo - who led his charges to second place at Poole in 2004, one point behind Sweden - hasn't been involved in GB's cup campaign.

But that doesn't mean he won't be following GB's fortunes as closely as ever as they go into a tough tie against highly-fancied Denmark, ever dangerous Sweden and outsiders Czech Republic at Brandon.

The winners join Australia direct in the final at Vojens on Saturday, while the second and third placed sides go into the race-off on the Danish track alongside Poland and Russia, with tonight's fourth team eliminated.

Middleditch, who handed over the national reins to Jim Lynch, coincidentally his stand-in Pirates' boss, said: "I think we can win at Coventry.

"Jim has picked a team of riders who have got great Coventry track experience and knowledge.

"The crowd can also play a big part in it. I'd urge everyone here to get behind Team GB because their support means a huge amount to the riders. When they see the union jacks flying on the terraces, it's a huge lift to them.

"We certainly are capable of winning it, and hopefully the boys who have been injured will be fit. I think Jim has picked a squad and team for the Coventry circuit who are Coventry specialists."

Middleditch, whose side only amassed a woeful record low 15 points in last year's final at Leszno won by hosts Poland, added: "If we get to Vojens, it'll certainly suit us a lot better than a Polish track.

"It's a more usual speedway size track than the Polish ones.

"If we get to the final we have to go for a win. Jim knows realistically it's a hard job, but you have to have fight in the boys.

"As long as we give 100 per cent you can't ask any more than that.

"I hope people realise the boys are giving 100 per cent because none of them want to lose."

Great Britain: 1 Scott Nicholls, 2 Chris Harris, 3 Lee Richardson, 4 Simon Stead, 5 Oliver Allen.

Sweden: 1 Fredrik Lindgren, 2 Peter Ljung, 3 Andreas Jonsson, 4 Jonas Davidsson, 5 Daniel Nermark.

Czech Republic: 1 Matej Kos, 2 Ales Dryml, 3 Adrian Rymel, 4 Lukas Dryml, 5 Lubos Tomicek.

Denmark: 1 Nicki Pedersen, 2 Niels-Kristian Iversen, 3 Kenneth Bjerre, 4 Hans Andersen, 5 Bjarne Pedersen.