JASON Crump is determined to play a leading role in helping Belle Vue regain their proud position as the Manchester United of speedway.

The Australian double World champion was at the Theatre of Dreams on Monday when United hosted Crump and team captain, Joe Screen, signing their new contracts.

But Crump has dreams of his own as he steps up his preparations for the new season which opens with a Craven Shield match against Wolverhampton at Kirkmanshulme Lane on Good Friday, March 21 (11am).

He's back with the Aces after a season away at Poole - a season in which he lost his world title and saw his average drop slightly to a still-impressive 10.31 points a match.

The Aces were unable to replace him with another cutting edge No 1 and nose-dived to the foot of the table, but now he's back and he means business.

Crump said: "I guess it will have surprised a lot of people that I'm back. But, after the tough year the new promotion had in 2007, I'm hoping to make a difference and so their enthusiasm can pay off with some decent results.

Problem

"Last year was not my best. My average went down and I lost my world title. I had the problem of a knee injury in the second half of the season but that's fine now.

"I've had a long talk with promoters David Gordon and Chris Morton and they are clearly two guys with a great love for Belle Vue and enthusiasm for the sport in general.

"We discussed targets and I know what they expect of me. If everything works to plan it should be a good year.

"Who knows at this point if we are going to win a trophy but if the work they have put in is anything to go by, then some good results should come our way."

Crump and senior man Screen are ready to do more than their racing jobs at the top end of the team.

Both are known for their willingness and ability to help young riders and the new-look team includes four who are young in terms of years aswell as Elite League experience.

Polish signings Michal Rajkowski and Lukasz Jankowski, Swede Billy Forsberg and English teenager Steve Boxall all face sharp learning curves but Crump added: "It's a team sport and while Joe and myself mean to be fairly influential, everyone will have a job to do.

"I spoke at length with the promoters about the different roles that each and everyone of us have to play apart from scoring our points. One of the extra roles for Joe and myself is to help the younger guys. In the past I think both of us have been reasonably successful in helping younger guys at Belle Vue. I'd like to think they have benefited from what we have told them."

Do you think Crump will inspire the Aces? Have your say.