The Redcar Bears stage their first home Premier League match of the season when British Speedway's most southern club the Isle of Wight Islanders are at the South Tees Motorsport Park this Thursday from 7.30pm.

A touch of speedway history in another sense as this brings together two clubs which the Bear's Director of Operations Gareth Rogers was instrumental in the creation of.

The sport was introduced to the island in 1996 by Gareth - who operated the then Wight Wizards in the Conference League. Ten years later and a few miles further north, the now Premier League Islanders bring a team of emerging talents. This includes newcomer Chris Holder who is regarded as one of the best teenage riders to arrive from Australia in recent years along with his compatriot Jason Doyle who is in his second British season.

Club captain Krzysztof Stojanowski only joined the team last August and scored his first maximum in only his eighth meeting. The remainder of the team have all returned to the Island track after periods away with other clubs and were happy to do so.

Redcar are waiting on a confirmation from Kevin Little of his likelihood to return on Thursday. He had indicated to team manager Brian Havelock last week that he felt he needed another seven days to help his injured shoulder recover but club owner Chris Van Straaten has told Kevin that he needs to be specific as the management are not keen to continue to be under-strength as the League season kicks in.

So if there is a further delay, changes may have to be made.

One change that is confirmed - the Bears will not be at Derwent Park, Workington this Saturday evening as the Comets attempt to re-stage last Saturday's postponed cup match against Newcastle.