Berwick start 2007 plans - Makovsky already in.

As opposed to the start of the 2006 season, where the fans were kept waiting 'till just before the start of the season, as far as 2007 is concerned all has been revealed before the official end of 2006!

The welcome and relieving news was announced by Peter Waite at the club's end of season celebration in Berwick on Saturday night when he told the large crowd of revellers that Berwick Bandits would be running in 2007, and in the Premier League, news which was greeted by a rapturous round of applause.

Whilst that was semi-predicted with Waite's indication that he's keen to see the full Four Team Championship qualification rounds back in the Premier League a week or two ago, Waite's second piece of news had not been anticipated.

One other gripe some fans held last year was that the 7 riders weren't known again until the very eve of the season, but again last night Waite was able to announce that his 1st signing for 2007 had been made - not only that, but the rider would also be the 2007 skipper!

The man in question will be lining up for his 7th straight season for the Bandits come March 2007, and he is current skipper from the Czech Republic, Michal Makovsky!

"Michal was a natural choice for me to bring back for next season once we had fully decided and committed to 2007. He's a natural-born leader of a team and makes the perfect material for a Captain. He is considered by all our fans as the current "Mr. Berwick Bandits" as he's been so committed to us for what will become 7 season next year, and these days that's no mean feat at all, in fact it's a major achievement.

"So Michal's back again, leading the Bandits into a season that he believes could be the big one of his UK career by leading the Bandits into their 40th season to some big silverware at this time in 12 months"

Makovsky was similarly enthusiastic about he reappointment to the side and his cherished captaincy.

"It's a place and a club I love to be with." stated Makovsky, "I believe that if we can keep as many of the team we had at the end of this season together to come back in 2007, then Berwick could have a team I believe could be capable of winning the Premier League, and that would be the greatest thing for Berwick. I believe we can do it. I want to lead the team to that goal."

So, with 5 months to go before the start of the 2007 Premier League season, Berwick have said they're in, and have announced Michal Makovsky as their continuing skipper.... 6 more to announce.... And what's the betting we'll get the whole whack just into the new year.

Danny Warwick was announced as the 2006 Bandits Newcomer of the year, and 2006 Bandit of the Year as well to top off a fine season for the youngster, taken from the scrap heap of 2005/6 and given a team place in which he made steady progress all year, scoring excellent tallies in several matches. A definite bright point of 2006, and having driven every week from and back to Poole on the South coast for home meetings, was fully deserving of his accolades on Saturday night.