Phelps coup for White.

Wildcats boss Brian White has continued his 2005 team building by snapping up Gary Phelps from Conference League treble winners Mildenhall. The 27-year-old Swindon-based rider has signed a one-year deal with the Wessex Stadium club and is expected to wear the number three jacket next season.

White described Phelps' arrival a real boost for the Wildcats and it comes a week after Dan Giffard put pen to paper.

"It's been a good few days," said White. "First Dan Giffard committed to the club for another year and now Gary's agreed to join us as well. Jack Gledhill and Lewis Bridger are already on board and it's just a case of meeting up sometime with captain David Mason for him to sign his contract as well."

"Gary's a rider I tried to bring to Weymouth last year after he left Edinburgh but he'd already promised Mildenhall be would sign for them. He suffered a bad elbow injury last year, which cut his season short, but he has fully recovered and is fighting fit once more."

"He's off to America soon to compete in their ice speedway championships which is run over a number of rounds and then he'll be back preparing for the 2005 speedway season with us."

Phelps began his career with Swindon back in 1996 -and has since enjoyed successful spells at a number of tracks including Isle of Wight, and Somerset, where he averaged over 10 points in 2002. He also has Premier and Conference League Knock Out Cup winners' medals to his name and is a regular on the British grasstrack scene.

"He's a real character," added White, "and a bit of a showman. He's one of those who will give it everything and I think the fans will love him. It's a big signing for us and will make up for the loss of Chris Courage. On paper we're now beginning to look strong for next year although there's still a lot of work to be done."