THE ELITE League team who have been courting the services of Newport Wasp Craig Watson has been revealed as Belle Vue.

The Manchester-based side have signed the Australian longtrack champion under the new rule which allows riders to double up in both the Premier and Elite Leagues.

The Aces' management have followed Watson ever since watching the way he handled the tricky Kirkmanshulme Lane circuit in last season's Premier League Riders' Championship, where Watson finished second.

Watson, who is back home in his native Sydney for the Southern Hemisphere summer, will come into the side as reserve while Carl Stonehewer will be second string - provided Workington drop their objections to his loan transfer.

Belle Vue promoter John Hall stressed they are delighted to have landed a rider with Watson's impressive ability and thanked Newport promoter Tim Stone for his co-operation.

Hall said: "Craig is a consistent rider who has done well in the Premier League.

"He has also shown that he can handle racing in the Elite League during his spell at Poole, even though he was handicapped ny injury.

"We were quick off the mark to get in touch with Craig when the rule was passed at the annual meeting and we have kept him informed of the situation ever since.

"Newport promoter Tim Stone has given us all the co-operation we needed to complete the Watson signing."