DATE OF BIRTH: 18 January 1979, Caslav, Czech Republic.

BRITISH CAREER: (2001) Berwick; (2003-04) Berwick; (2005-08) Newcastle; (2009) Berwick; (2010) Sheffield.

MAJOR HONOURS: Czech Republic Under-21 Champion: 1998, 1999, 2000.

2010 STARTING AVERAGE: 7.84 (PL).

ADDITIONAL INFO: Franc first rode at the famous Marketa Stadium in Prague - home of the Czech Republic Grand Prix - in 1994, when aged fifteen. Prior to journeying to the UK, he brilliantly posted three successive wins in his country's Under-21 Championship, taking victory in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

He was signed by Berwick in 2001 and his cheerful demeanour made him an instant hit with the Bandits' supporters.

The Czech star didn't reappear on these shores the following year, but resumed with the Borders club for a two-year stint starting in 2003. He travelled down the A1 to link with Newcastle in 2005 and enjoyed four seasons with the Geordies, with whom he was renowned for his electric starts and prolific scoring ability.

In a move that was very well received by the fans, the diminutive rider made a return to the ranks at Berwick this term and continues to hold down a heat-leader berth, together with his long-term association with the North-East.

Capped by his country on a number of occasions since making his international debut in 2003, Franc was a member of the Czech team that contested Event One of the Speedway World Cup at Vojens, Denmark, on 11 July.

With Sheffield looking to try and improve their form away from Owlerton he joined the Tigers for the 2010 campaign.