Speedway: Team spirit is key if Glasgow Tigers are to mount title defence, says Jade Mudgeway

Apr 11 2012 By Fraser Wilson

JADE MUDGWAY says he’s happy to be the butt of his team-mates’ jokes if it helps Glasgow Tigers mount another Premier League title challenge this season.

The New Zealander knew he was in for an ear-bashing when he signed at the turn of the year for a club containing no less than four Australians.

But the larger-than-life Kiwi insists his relationship with Aussie quartet Josh Grajczonek, Robert Ksiezak, Mason Campton and Jayden O’Malley is on a solid grounding.

Mudgway recorded his best score of the season against his former side, Berwick Bandits, on Sunday as the Tigers put their first League Cup points on the board with a 56-35 win.

And Mudgway reckons the team spirit at Ashfield will stand the club in good stead.

Click here to watch full exclusive interview with Jade Mudgeway

He said: “There are plenty of Aussies here and they have given me plenty of stick since I arrived at the club.

“They gang up on me a bit but we all like to joke around, it’s all good banter and I give as good as I get. It all helps team spirit which is vital if we are to be successful this season.”

Mudgway revealed a love of the track and the fans was behind his decision to move to Glasgow – as well as the chance to ride with Tigers heroes Joe Screen and James Grieves.

He said: “I’ve always had a lot of respect for Joe and James and that was a factor in me signing
for Glasgow.

“And I really enjoy the track at Ashfield. I like hanging off the bike and getting right up next to the fence so there’s plenty of opportunity to do that here.

“I want to up my average to at least five points this season.

“I will take every meeting as it comes, I like to get pumped up and go out there and get stuck in – that’s my style.”