NEW Birmingham signing Aaron Summers has been added to Coventry’s Elite League squad as their number eight rider for the new season.

Summers, who has moved to Perry Barr from Edinburgh, will be on stand-by for the Bees in the event if rider unavailability at reserve.

And Birmingham boss Graham Drury is happy for the rider to gain valuable experience with occasional appearances in the top flight.

He becomes the second Birmingham rider to link up with the Bees as Richard Sweetman will be riding at reserve in a doubling-up role with Sheffield’s Josh Auty.

Said Drury: “It’s a good move for Aaron and we don’t have a problem with it at all. We don’t know how many meetings he will get for them but in the event of injury and unavailability at reserve he may get a run in their team.

“But as with Richard Sweetman, it must be emphasised that Aaron’s full-time priority in 2010 is Birmingham Speedway and I see no reason why he can’t increase his average.”

The club have also confirmed skipper Jason Lyons is back at his Manchester base after a winter break in his home country, Australia.

“He’s starting to get to work on his bikes,” said Drury. “And he’s been in regular contact with the other Birmingham riders during his time back home in Australia.

“He also got married so it’s been an exciting time for him and he’s keen and ready to go for the new season with us.”