From Berwick Press Office......

Bandits Welcome Back Prodigal Son – Josef “Pepe” Franc Returns To The Fold.

Berwick’s A & J Scott-sponsored Bandits are delighted to announce that popular Czech Republican rider JOSEF ‘PEPE’ FRANC will once again be back in the Black and Gold colours at Shielfield for the 2011 season, joining Lee Complin as a confirmed starter.

Bandits Co-Owner George Hepburn announced on Tuesday evening: ”Pepe was desperate to rejoin Berwick again for the new season and it only took minutes to tie his deal up.

“To say we are delighted is an understatement especially as he comes back on a 6.81 average which is a snip for someone who goes so very well, not only at Shielfield but at tracks all over the country, large and small!”

The always popular Franc originally joined Berwick in 2001 with fellow countrymen Adrian Rymel and Michal Makovsky but during his spell as a Berwick asset has been on loan to Newcastle and to Sheffield, where he spent all of last season as a Yorkshire Tiger.