Speedway captain Ashley Birks on motivating Scunthorpe Scorpions

Perhaps as if to drum it into him, every time promoter Rob Godfrey announces Scunthorpe's number four he refers to him as 'Captain Birks'.

The man himself appears to still be adjusting to the role.

Handed the honour during David Howe's absence, Birks has led the Scorpions with distinction, setting an example in the pits and on the track during an unprecedented year at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

But despite standing on the verge of history, with the Scorpions tantalisingly close to a first ever Premier League play-off final, Birks sheepishly admits he still doesn't feel much like a skipper.

"It's definitely special but I don't really feel like I'm the captain, just because everyone does such a great job at keeping themselves motivated," he said.

"If it was a hard team to keep motivated then it would be a difficult job but because everyone is so motivated and wants to do well that makes it a lot easier.

"Before you go out with someone you have a word with them and see what gate they're off and where they want to go on corners.

"And before the meeting we have a little chat and we all say our own words, but other than that it's straight forward and everyone gets on with their own thing.

"That is the best way to be."

There are plenty who would beg to differ with Birks' assessment of himself, but they should be in no doubt he shares their desire to end this season as champions.

"It would mean everything to all of us," he continued.

"It's been such a good team effort down here this year, not just from the actual seven riders but everyone around the place – Rob and Gail (Godfrey, Scunthorpe promoters), Richard Hollingsworth (team manager), everyone.

"I think you've got to mention the STING fund as well. It's a group of supporters who put money into an account and we get money out if we're struggling, money for our engines or equipment.

"Everything has just worked out great this year.

"All in all it's just been a very good year."

If it is to get even better, Scunthorpe must rely on Workington not to pick up more than four points from their final two meetings, against Edinburgh.

The Scorpions face a nervous wait, with their group not reaching its conclusion until Friday, October 19.

Birks hopes though, the point his team claimed at Edinburgh, despite being depleted by injuries to Josh Auty and Nick Morris, will make the difference.

"When we found out Josh was injured it was a nightmare," said the 21-year-old.

"I rang Rob straight up and was like, 'can he not ride? Definitely?'.

"He's so fast and generates speed where no-one else does. He's great to have in the pits too.

"He's a young lad and the kind of guy you can rely on to go out in heats 13 and 15 and get them wins.

"When it's not your full team it's hard, but we're lucky with the riders we've had.

"Kevin Doolan, Sam Masters, every guest we've had, I can't just name one, they've all been really good.

"They've outscored us and done really well. We need to thank them loads.

"Fingers crossed they'll be coming back because they're top quality riders and we need people like them to win this league.

"We've got things together now and hopefully we'll have a full team out in the final if we get there.

"That point at Edinburgh could be vital, we knew it would be. Thank God we got that point on the road!

"At one point we were getting close to winning it, but I had a crash and there was a bit of bad luck for us.

"But what's happened's happened and fingers crossed we'll be in the final.

"It's looking like it's going to be Somerset from the other group and we all like that place so I think we could go there and win it.

"It's going right down to the wire."