FORMER Reading and Peterborough boss Jim Lynch is the new Great Britain speedway manager in a one-year deal - and former World Champion Mark Loram is part of the new Under-21 coaching structure.
Loram will work alongside Isle of Wight boss Dave Croucher and former Wolves star Graham Jones to help develop the youngsters under new Under-21 co-ordinator Graham Reeve.
British Speedway Chairman Peter Toogood said: "We're delighted with the new management structure and particularly pleased to have Mark Loram on board.
"He's part of a team structure to coach the youngsters, which suits him fine because he's got to have more treatment on his leg and can't commit to a full-time situation.
"Jim is the man for the senior job, he's desperate to do it and is adopting a very positive attitude. He will take the team into the World Cup this summer and we wish him well."
Lynch is keen to make the job a long-term appointment after agreeing a one-year contract.
He said: "This is a very proud moment for me and I'm really looking forward to getting on with the job.
"Neil Middleditch did a superb job for the national team and he's already wished me well.
"I'll be talking to Scott Nicholls to establish whether he would like to remain as skipper and I hope he will.
"We have to be positive, both at senior and Under-21 level. Reading some of the recent comments we're almost talking ourselves into defeat. We have some good riders and we aim to make the best use of our resources.
"We also have some riders who have to take that extra step forward, like David Howe and Simon Stead. We're not as bad as the doom merchants have made out!"
