THERE hasn't been much to shout about for Berwick supporters over the last few seasons, but 2024 is looking much brighter for the Bandits.

The acquisition of the experienced Stewart Dickson as Team Manager appears to be a very shrewd move by the Bandits' Promotion and shows their intentions for the upcoming season. Dickson has a proven track record as a manager at both Premiership and Championship level and has built the Bandits a promising side for 2024.

Dickson has completely revamped the Bandits' team, with only Aussies Rory Schlein and Jye Etheridge retained from the 2023 team. The departure of local star Leon Flint comes as the biggest surprise, but Berwick certainly won't be missing any top-end strength as a result with Lewis Kerr joining them at number 1.

The engine room of the new look side looks solid and consists of youngsters Danyon Hume and Drew Kemp. Both riders are going the right way in their careers and alongside Jye Etheridge, there is a lot of potential in the main body of the Bandits' side to increase their starting averages.

Most successful sides have a strong reserve and young Dane Bastian Borke certainly has the potential to take on that role. Borke made a major impact on his first visit to Shielfield Park last year, scoring an impressive 9+2 from the number 2 position for Edinburgh. Borke's partner at reserve is young Brit Freddy Hodder who makes his debut at Championship level. Hodder will need time to find his feet at this level but he will face several other young Brits in the same situation.

BSN Verdict:

The Bandits look to have built a side that can challenge for the play-offs for the first time in years. They have a strong top 2, solid top 5 and a reserve capable of scoring big points - what's not to like about that?

BANDITS LINE UP FOR 2024:

Lewis Kerr

Rory Schlein

Danyon Hume

Drew Kemp

Jye Etheridge

Bastian Borke

Freddy Hodder