PETER Schroeck feels he is more than up to the challenge of managing all three Oxford Speedway sides this year.

Schroeck has led both the Oxford Cheetahs and Chargers, but this season, he has been tasked with managing new side Oxford Spires in the Premiership.

Spires have made a sensational start to the campaign, with two wins from two, against Birmingham Brummies and defending champions Sheffield Tigers.

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Speaking to this newspaper ahead of Cheetahs’ season opener at Poole Pirates tomorrow evening, Schroeck said: “It’s a challenge for me personally because I’ll manage all three of them.

“We decided that we didn’t want to have a third wheel on the wagon, so there’s only myself and Jamie [Courtney] as a promoter, and Kevin [Boothby, Oxford Stadium managing director].

“They’re letting me run with the team and gave me what’s available, and built around it.

“It’s a very privileged position and never been done before. They’re all good guys, and we’ve almost got a bit of a football club situation where you have your academy, your second team, and your first team.

“From my point of view, it gives the guys an aim of getting onto the next level. We’re in a very good and healthy position.”

He added: “For me, the hardest thing is having all these riders to look after. I’ve got to be personally on the ball, but I like to think I’m quite good at man management.

“They all open up to me and they’re all honest, so it makes life a lot easier. I’m up to the challenge and I’ve always been known for doing things a bit differently.

“At the moment, I’m enjoying what we’re doing and it’s certainly going to be a busy year.”

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Cheetahs entered last season’s play-off second leg meeting with Glasgow Tigers knowing they were required to post 41 points, in order to guarantee a spot in the grand final against Poole.

However, Schroeck’s side fell three points short as they lost 52-38 north of the border, and 92-88 on aggregate.

Asked about the target for 2024, Schroeck responded: “Top four is the one this year more than ever. We achieved that last year, and the play-offs were a little bit of a farce with six teams.

“It seemed a little bit strange, but this year we’re going back to the top four. With the team that we’ve got, we’re more than capable of it.

“Overall it was a very good season for us, but at the end we just fell short a little bit.

“We’re definitely looking for top four and we don’t want to go backwards, that’s for sure.”