KENNETH Bjerre has been named as the new captain of the Readypower Panthers.

KENNETH Bjerre has been named as the new captain of the Readypower Panthers.

The Dane is back at the Showground after a season on loan with near-neighbours King’s Lynn and now has the opportunity to be a leader off the track, as well as on it.

The Peterborough promotion have assembled a relatively young squad for the 2012 campaign and Bjerre feels he can be the figurehead in helping to bring out the best in what is undoubtedly a talented, although inexperienced side.

He said: “I feel it is the right time for me to be captain. We have a lot of young riders in the team and hopefully I can use my experience to help them.

“I’ve never been a captain of a British team before but I know what is required and I’m very proud to be given the job. I said ‘yes’ straight away when I was asked to do it.

“I know the management well, I know what they are looking for and I know what I want as a rider.

“My aim has always been to win the Elite League with Peterborough and hopefully we can try to do that this year.”

Panthers co-boss Trevor Swales also believes that Bjerre can be a big help to his team-mates and after discussions with the rest of the management team agrees that he has all the attributes needed for the role.

He added: “He is the man who will be leading by example and he gets on really well with all members of our team.

“He is also the ultimate professional and hopefully that will rub off on the other riders. After giving the matter a great deal of thought it became evident that Kenneth was the obvious choice.

“We saw during our meetings against King’s Lynn last season that he is very dedicated to his racing and also has a lot to offer as well off the track.

“Not only was he performing well, but he was always helping his team-mates and that is exactly what you need from a captain.”