ARENA Essex promoter Ronnie Russell is closing on the rider that will complete his 2005 team as they prepare for their second season of Elite League racing.
"I have been in discussions with several overseas riders, but I have now brought my dealings down to just one rider," he confirmed.
"I hope that he will agree to join us and I hope to be able to announce the name as soon as the final formalities have been completed.
"This final rider will initially ride in one of the reserve berths alongside Paul Hurry, but I believe that both of them will be capable of moving up into the top five which will mean that we will be tracking a very strong lower order.
"With two former World Champions in Mark Loram and Gary Havelock at the top end, we should be a very competitive outfit this year."
Russell also confirmed the signing of Welshman Phil Morris as the club's number 8.
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