Dashing Dane returns for third spell with Scorpions

MICHAEL PALM TOFT has become the fifth rider to be announced as a Scunthorpe Scorpion for the 2023 season.

He joins Simon Lambert, Connor Mountain, Zaine Kennedy and Joe Thompson in what is shaping up to be a very solid line-up – with still space to accommodate the two riders who join Palm Toft as heat-leaders for the North Lincolnshire side.

32-year-old Palm Toft started his UK career with Scunthorpe in 2011 and won the league title with Scorpions in 2012 during a three-year spell at the club. He rejoined Scorpions in mid-2016 and was captain of the 2017 side.

In a strange quirk of the rolling averages, the Dane’s current Premiership average is 6.86 and his Championship average is slightly lower at 6.76.

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey said: “Michael is our asset and he is on an average that simply doesn’t match his ability.

“When Peterborough won the top league (the Premiership) in 2021, Michael ended the season riding for them at No 1 and it demonstrated how good he is. He was trying to ride with a shoulder injury last season and, of course, it affected his scoring. But he’s now fit and raring to go.

“I spoke to him about returning to us a year ago, but he wished to join Plymouth. But I chatted to him again, and he’s keen to come back to us for 2023.

“I think everyone can see how our team is building up really nicely. We plan to unveil the whole team before Christmas and it’s a team we believe can do the business.”

Scorpions are due to announce a sixth rider next Thursday (December 15).