ADAM Roynon says he has the fire and the hunger to succeed once more at Plymouth Devils next season.

The Dalton speedway rider is in the rare position of signing a new deal with his old club before Christmas, having shone in the South West in 2017.

The 29-year-old arrived at St Boniface Park for the second time midway through the season following his departure from an ill-starred spell at Workington Comets.

And he went on to make a big impact in Devon, being voted Rider of the Year for the Devils.

Roynon – who in the past has had to wait until the new year to know where he would be racing – is looking forward to building on his success for Plymouth, in a role as number one rider and club captain.

“It’s really good. It’s a track I’ve spent a lot of time at over the years,” he said.

“I had a great season there last year, and to return there as rider of the year, as number one and as captain for the season, it’s all looking really good.

“I didn’t want to take a backward step, but it turned out to be a decent forward step. I’ve got no complaints, and I’ve just got a lot of ambitions now, which is good.

“I’ve got the ambition and the fire to achieve. It’s just going to be a good season.”

He added: “I can’t remember a time when I’ve had the team sorted out by Christmas. It’s good from that point-of-view. Going back to a club I was at the previous season is quite a rarity as well.

“But when you go there as the main, focal rider, it makes you feel good about yourself. When you’re in the gym training, it all leads towards something you’re trying to achieve.

“It’s all very happy at the minute, and I’m just looking forward to getting going. The winter is a long time.”

Roynon will continue to travel to Plymouth from his home near Leicester, where he lives with his partner Jodie and 17-month-old son – and regular training partner Sebastian.

The South Cumbrian speedster spends his days looking after the toddler, who is always happy to take part in his exercise routine, while saying the long drive to the Devils’ home is ‘not that bad’ when ‘you’re travelling somewhere good’.

As well as being a role-model to Sebastian at home, Roynon is also expected to lead the youngsters in the Plymouth team next season, but he is relishing that extra responsibility.

“I respond well to the pressure,” said Roynon, who broke his collarbone late on in the season at Plymouth and missed the final few matches.

“I wouldn’t want to just be going there to make up the numbers; I’m there to do a job and I want to make sure that I do it week in, week out.

“I’ve also got to bring on the other boys with my experience as captain as well; I’ve got to make the team gel together so that we end up in finals at the end of the season.”