LAKESIDE Hammers have now completed their side for 2009 with the announcement of Robert Mear as the club's No.8.Twenty-year-old Mear, who rides for Rye House in the Premier League, has been chosen by the Hammers to cover this role whereby the youngster will provide cover for the reserves whenever they are unavailable or injured.

LAKESIDE Hammers have now completed their side for 2009 with the announcement of Robert Mear as the club's No.8.

Twenty-year-old Mear, who rides for Rye House in the Premier League, has been chosen by the Hammers to cover this role whereby the youngster will provide cover for the reserves whenever they are unavailable or injured.

Mear, who was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, started his Speedway career in 2004 with the Rye House Conference League side but has progressed well and was a regular member of the Rockets Premier League side last season where he achieved a very creditable average of 5.93 from 35 matches. This placed him in the Hoddesdon based club's top five. He will continue to ride for the Rye House Rockets this season at Premier League level but will gain more experience at the top level if called upon to race for the Hammers.

Mear did make an appearance in the Hammers colours last season when he rode in the Sky Sports Elite League 'B' fixture away at Eastbourne. Although he failed to score he was on the pace and impressed the Hammers Team Manager, Jon Cook, with his attitude and dedication.

Cook commented on this final signing stating: “Robert is progressing well and had a good first season last year in the Premier League with the Rockets. I'm sure he will do a job for us if called upon to do so and I was impressed with him when he rode for us last year at Eastbourne. He is young and looking to improve his average this season so he will be keen to impress at Elite league level if I need to call on his services at any time.”

The 2009 Hammers therefore are: Adam Shields, Joonas Kylmakorpi, Lee Richardson, Jonas Davidsson, Kauko Nieminen, Phil Morris, Stuart Robson, Chris Mills and Robert Mear.