WEYMOUTH Wildcats have announced that Jacob Clouting, son of ex-Poole Pirates rider Savalas, is set to ride for them for the forthcoming season.

Clouting, 19, who rode for the Kent Kings last season, will turn out for league rivals Weymouth while the Wildcats are in advanced talks to sign a third rider.

Following the signing of James Laker last week, it marks a swift replacement for the Wildcats who have had to deal with the departures of Luke Barnes, and Jacob and Bailey Fellows.

The Wildcats also announced that Laker will be their captain for the forthcoming season, with James Jessop as vice captain.

Speaking of his new signing, Wildcats co-promoter James Tresadern described the signing as a bit of a coup.

Tresadern said: “I think Reading were trying to speak to him as well, regarding joining them for this year, so for us to get him it is a bit of a coup and good news for us.”

Acknowledging the swift replacement of the departed riders, Tresadern added: “They (Clouting and Laker) both know each other as well, so I think they are in the same neck of the woods.

“He is excited and he wants to ride for us, same as James (Laker) so obviously we are happy with that.”

Clouting’s father Savalas rode for the Pirates for two years, in 1997 and 2000 and also starred for Ipswich.

The club have a home ground for the forthcoming season, but the specific location is yet to be announced.

When asked about the replacement of the riders, Tresadern explained: “Once me and Martin (Peters, fellow co-promoter) found out that they were amalgamating the leagues, we knew that Jacob, Luke and Bailey had got other offers.

“We had to put something in place, we had to start talking to riders.”

Tresadern added: “(Clouting) has got a bright future ahead of him and we are looking forward to seeing him in the team and scoring plenty of points.

“It is all looking good and falling into place again.”