PETERBOROUGH legend Ryan Sullivan is on his way back to the Showground as part of a new-look team management structure at the club.

PETERBOROUGH legend Ryan Sullivan is on his way back to the Showground as part of a new-look team management structure at the club.

The Panthers legend and former Grand Prix winner, who announced his retirement at the end of last season, will have specific responsibilities for rider coaching and technical advice as the club look to turn around their disappointing start to the 2013 campaign.

The changes mean the Panthers have parted company with previous manager Jan Staechmann, who leaves after 18 months in charge with the very best wishes of the promotion.

Sullivan acclaimed legendary status during his five spells with the Panthers having twice been part of Elite League-winning teams - first in 1999, and then in the never-to-be-forgotten climax to the 2006 campaign.

It was also during 2006 that he enjoyed a well-deserved ten-year Testimonial at the Showground, but he is now ready to link up again with the club that he served for nearly twelve seasons.

Panthers co-promoter Trevor Swales said: “We wish Jan all the very best for the future in whatever he decides to do. He has been an absolute pleasure to work with, but unfortunately things just haven’t worked out.

“We left team matters to Jan and obviously we’ve been desperate to see an improvement, but now the club have had to do something and we have gone for a new structure.

“Ryan knows everyone at the club, of course, and I am sure everyone will welcome him back. I am convinced he will prove to be as big an asset to us on the management side as he was when he was riding.

“We understand the supporters’ frustration so far this season, we want to get them cheering again, and I’m sure Ryan’s appointment will prove to be a positive move for us all.”

Panthers owner Rick Frost added: “We welcome Ryan back to the Panthers in a managerial role and we look forward to working with him. He knows the club extremely well and was very popular with the supporters from his time here as a rider.

“We also thank Jan for all his hard work during his time here with us and we wish him well in whatever he decides to do in the future.”