Rory Schlein on becoming King’s Lynn Stars captain for 2014
Stars' skipper Rory Schelin. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: IAN BURT
Australian Rory Schlein is confident that his years of speedway experience will help him succeed as King's Lynn Stars captain.
The 29-year-old Elite League Riders' champion has ridden for a host of clubs in Britain since first appearing on these shores in 2001. This year, his second at the Norfolk Arena, will see him replace the now departed Mads Korneliussen as Lynn's skipper. But Schlein is not worried about the extra responsibility that comes with the territory of 'wearing the armband'.
The Aussie said: 'I captained Belle Vue for a year. Some say it can be a bit of a burden but I think I'm old enough now and mature enough to take it on.
'I know all of the lads quite well so that'll make the job 10 times easier. So far, it feels right.
'If you ask anyone, I'll say it as it is. I don't blow wind up people and things like that. All the young lads know I'm an open book. Any advice, anything I can do to help reach the ultimate goal - we want to win some silverware - whatever needs doing, I'll do it.'
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Roo-Boy, as he is affectionately known, became a popular figure during his debut campaign with the Stars in 2013. That was despite him suffering machinery and injury problems that slowed the start to his Lynn career.
Yet he has built up a fine reputation in the Elite League, having enjoyed spells with mainly the Coventry Bees and Belle Vue Aces. So team boss Rob Lyon had no doubt who he wanted to take over from his former on-track leader, Korneliussen, now at Leicester Lions.
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Lyon said: 'It obviously had to be a choice between one of the top three (Iversen, Schlein and Bjerre).
'Rory's naturally one of those sort of guys who will motivate and gel the team together. He's quite an extrovert, he's always got plenty to say, and it was a natural decision really. I think he'll do a great job.'