LAKESIDE Hammers boss Stuart Douglas is 'very satisfied' after seeing his team secure a third place finish in the 2009 Sky Sports Elite League.“Last season we were mixing it up with Poole, this season with Wolves and Swindon, all big, well established speedway teams,” said Douglas.

LAKESIDE Hammers boss Stuart Douglas is 'very satisfied' after seeing his team secure a third place finish in the 2009 Sky Sports Elite League.

“Last season we were mixing it up with Poole, this season with Wolves and Swindon, all big, well established speedway teams,” said Douglas.

“It confirms to me that the work done by Jon Cook and all the riders since we came in is paying dividends.

“The object is to cement the Hammers as a play-off team each and every year and I'm very satisfied that we are well on course to achieving that aim. And we've done it whilst keeping the club on a stable financial footing which is a hugely impressive feat.”

The Hammers now enter the title chasing play-offs, coming up against Wolverhampton.

“Wolves are a formidable outfit this season, but I have enormous faith in our lads - their 'never say die' attitude is fantastic - and I think we are in for a right old ding dong battle of a semi final,” enthused Douglas.

“I like to put on record my thanks to all our riders, to team boss Jon Cook, and to the Hammers faithful who are turning out in hugely impressive numbers each week to cheer the team on. Together, I reckon we can go all the way.”