STEVE JOHNSTON - Australia Age: 36

British career history: Sheffield (1992-93), Long Eaton (1993-96), Ipswich (1997), Oxford (1998-2002, 2007), Belle Vue (2003), Swindon (2004), Wolverhampton (2005), Arena-Essex (2006), Coventry (2007)

MUCH-TRAVELLED Australian who found a home at Coventry after initially being installed as captain under a new promotion at Oxford at the start of the season.

Steve had skipped the Cheetahs to the Elite League title in 2001, but was powerless to prevent a disastrous situation developing at Cowley, with the club pulling out of the league at the end of May.

Several clubs showed an interest, but Steve was keen to join the Bees and the move has proved to be a good one for all concerned, his infectious personality adding plenty to the atmosphere in the pits and he has also produced some crucial high scores in the Bees' trophy quest.