Owner Stuart Douglas is backing the newly-named Lakeside Hammers speedway team to succeed in the coming campaign.

Those were Douglas' bold words at the Lakeside Hammers practice day when all eight squad members took full advantage of the spring-like weather to enjoy an afternoon of practice resplendent in their new club race suits.

And his prediction come after the Hammers - in their old guise of Arena Essex - collected the Elite League wooden spoon in each of the last two seasons.

"I genuinely believe that this is the best Hammers team that there has ever been, it is complete class throughout the side," declared Douglas.

"We will be winning a lot of matches this year and we also have a side here capable of winning away meetings this year.

"I'm sure that we will be providing some excellent entertainment wherever we go."