Thompson Twins are the next to be signed up by Gladiators

THEY were Prow Park Gladiators for a very short spell in 2023, but now, the ‘Thompson Twins’ will be returning to Plymouth to ride for the club from the start of the 2024 campaign.

- STUART JAMES

Brothers Dan and Joe Thompson, 19, were signed at separate times last summer by Gladiators team manager Garry May, but for Dan, it was a move that never really materialised. A host of rain offs followed by a season-ending shoulder injury whilst riding for Ipswich in the Premier League meant he never actually got to wear his Gladiators kevlars.

Joe, meanwhile, was drafted in as a guest for the last meeting of the season when the Gladiators beat Berwick Bandits and he contributed to the success by scoring 9+2. Now, both will be full-time members of the team heading into the new Championship season, joining Ben Barker and Alfie Bowtell in committing to the club.

“I am over the moon to be at Plymouth to be honest,” Dan said. “Obviously I signed half way through last year, but I never actually got a meeting in, so for them to allow me to come back and show what I can do is definitely a good thing for me and I think it is going to be a good season.

“We had a tough time with rainoffs, but I was always interested in Plymouth. I like the atmosphere there, there is a real family feel about the club and it was frustrating not to get going with them last year. But at least I’ll get my chance with them in 2024.

“Me and Joe ride well together and we do enjoy racing together. I certainly think that will help with the enjoyment side of things, going through the season, and the team looks good as well, so I am looking forward to a good year.