POPULAR Aussie ace Steve Johnston has become the third top-liner to sign on the dotted line for Oxford Cheetahs, writes JOHN GAISFORD.

Johnston will team up with world No 3Jimmy Nilsen and fellow Aussie Todd Wiltshire, and will take over as team captain.

It will be the third successive year that 'Magic' Johnston will strut his stuff round the Sandy Lane circuit and I am sure will be looking for more consistency to go with his elevation to team captain.

Wiltshire will remain club captain.

Johno will be hoping to be more settled as he will now be living in Oxford, rather than commuting from Manchester every week.

Although the rest of the team seems to be widely known among the Oxford diehards, promoter Steve Purchase will not release any more definite signings until they are on the dotted line.

However, he hopes to release more news a special fans forum at the Stadium next Friday (8pm).

New No 1 Jimmy Nilsen will be in attendance and there will be progress reports on the new Patrons Club as well as an announcement on season tickets.

Plans are at an advanced stage for a special speedway night at the dogs on February 29. Race sponsors are being sought by commercial manager Graham Darling who can be contacted on 01869 244209.

Story date: Saturday 05 February

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