READING Racers have selected Stephen Whitehouse to lead their defence of the Southern Development League title.

Racers will once again use Eastbourne for home fixtures following their wonderful comeback year last time out, and Whitehouse has been given the captaincy in view of the improvement he showed in 2017, as well as his commitment to the team in away matches during the season.

The 18-year-old was thrilled to be offered the role and has already stepped forward with some suggestions for the coming campaign. Also in the six-strong squad are fellow returnees William O’Keefe and Kyle Roberts, who both had spells in the National League last year and are looking for further opportunities in the higher division during the coming campaign.

While O'Keefe was replaced in the Plymouth team towards the end of the year, Roberts missed the second half of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained riding for Birmingham.

Newcomers include Dan Gilkes, a highly-rated 15-year-old who impressed in the Midland Development League with Peterborough in 2017 as well as in his sole appearance for the Racers.

Jamie Bursill, 17, also stepped in on one occasion and made numerous appearances for other clubs during the season.

Sixteen-year-old Rhys Laker is a former Kent mascot who is looking for more regular rides with a new club, and brings a Reading link as his father Gary was once mechanic to former Racers skipper Dave Mullett.

The Racers’ fixtures will be released very soon, with the first match likely to be less than seven weeks away.

Sponsorship is still available, with companies and individuals able to have their name in match programmes, on race jackets or simply on the Racers website.

For more, email info@readingracers.co.uk