Monday 16th July 2012, 08:05

Coventry have signed Czech Republic rider Josef ‘Pepe’ Franc and Swedish youngster Mathias Thornblom and both men make their debuts at Brandon on Friday.

Franc will double up alongside Roynon and Henning Bager and Jason Bunyan have been released.

Thornblom has had some eye-catching results for Gnistorna in the Swedish Allsvenskan League this season, and has been signed with an eye very much on the future.

Franc, who rides for Sheffield in the Premier League, comes in as a result of Roynon’s average rising to 4.78, meaning the Bees also needed to take advantage of extra scope to avoid the need to use 3.00 riders when Roynon is unavailable.

He impressed in the World Cup Race-Off and also the Czech SGP as a wild card, and will ride on Friday as Roynon has a commitment for Workington.

Bees team boss Blayne Scroggins said: “Mathias is one of a few riders from Scandinavia who we are monitoring. He is young and will need a bit of time to settle, but he is so keen to come over and he has already had a couple of offers this season but chose Coventry.

“As for Josef in the doubling-up role with Adam, he brings some experience to the team. Josef is a great professional with positive attitude and I am sure he will fit in well.

“We would like to thank Henning and Jason for their contributions. Releasing riders is always the toughest part of the job, but this is something we need to do for the good of the team following recent results, and hopefully it will get a positive response from all the boys.

“These changes needed to be made, and while it’s tough, I’m not afraid to make changes for the good of the team if that’s what I have to do.”

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