WIGHTLINK Islanders are preparing for the new season at Smallbrook without the French connection of past years - but with an influx of Danish riders.

Out has gone Sebastian Tresarrieu to Elite League Swindon, while skipper Ray Morton has moved on to Poole and Chris Johnson to Reading.

They have been replaced by the likes of Jason Doyle, rated one of the future top Australian stars, and a young Danish rider, Steen Jensen. Jensen is an Eastbourne asset and is coached by four-times world champion Hans Nielsen.

Also coming in is Austrian Manuel Hausinger, who looked impressive against Poole last season.

Headlining the Island team again is former world number three, Southampton-based Australian Craig Boyce, who takes over the captaincy from Morton.

Last season Boyce averaged nine points a match and was very unfortunate not to be crowned Premier League riders' champion after being harshly excluded from the grand finale at Sheffield in September.

Joining Boyce is the Islanders other Danish and Eastbourne asset, Ulrich Ostergaard, who joined the club mid-term and ended up being voted the fans' Rider of the Year.

Also back is the spectacular Krister Marsh, by far the most improved rider who was voted the riders' Rider of the Year.

The final piece in the Islanders' jigsaw is completed by talented Jason Bunyan, who first rode for the club in 1998 and returned last season after being released by Elite League Coventry.

The real action starts March 29 when Reading cross the Solent for a Premier Trophy match at Smallbrook where track banking has been increased on the already super fast raceway.