FOLLOWING on from the news that Jason Doyle, their prospective captain for 2014, will now not be riding for the club due to visa issues, the Somerset Rebels have appointed Olly Allen as club captain for the forthcoming season.

Rebels team manager Garry May said: “To be honest, Olly was the natural choice once we knew that Doyley wasn’t going to be available. He has the experience that will be invaluable to the newer member of the side as well as excellent leadership qualities.”

Allen, who won the 2013 Premier League Riders’ Championship, was delighted with his appointment.

He said; “I’m really pleased and flattered about being asked to captain the team. We have a relatively young side and I hope to be able to help everyone with the experience I’ve gained throughout Europe over the last 15 years.

“We have an almost impossible task of matching what Somerset achieved last season, but we also have a lot of potential in the side and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”