b. 28th December 1979 (age 28)

Holstebro, Denmark

Charlie's Website

CHARLIE Gjedde nearly became a Belle Vue rider a few seasons ago but he finally made it following a winter loan move from Swindon.

But the Danish star wouldn't mind if it grew into something more permanent as he has been a rolling stone in British speedway since making his debut for Swindon in 1998.

Charlie has moved between the first and second divisions in that period to ride for Reading, Coventry, Wolverhampton and Oxford as well as parent club Swindon before arriving at Kirkmanshulme Lane.

His frequent changes have been as a result of having to move because of his average more than wanting a transfer and he admits he'd enjoy a period of stability in his hectic career.

He started the 2008 season as No 2 heat leader behind Jason Crump, a situation welcomed by Joe Screen as it removed some of the pressure he faced last season when the Aces were so sadly short of top end power.

Belle Vue fans will not be able to forget Gjedde's form at Kirkmanshulme Lane for Swindon last season when he almost beat them single-handed on a couple of occasions and hopes are high he will maintain that level of liking for the track throughout this season.

He's always been a busy rider with action in the Polish, Swedish and Danish leagues but on a personal rather than club level he would love to qualify for the 2009 Grand Prix competition.

Charlie already holds a World championship gold medal as he was in the Danish side who lifted the title at Reading in 2006 when he scored six vital points.

Other honours to have come his way are the Division One Pairs title, which he won with Leigh Adams in 2004 and the Second Division Fours crown which he won with Swindon the year before.

He has also won the Danish championship three times with three different clubs, his home town Holstebro, Holsted and Fredericia. In addition, he won the Danish Under-21 title in 1995 and also has two seconds and a third in that competition.