Speedway rider David Howe hopes winning feeling will carry over to next season for Scunthorpe Scorpions

Injured Scorpion David Howe believes a Premier League title could be the start of a golden era for Scunthorpe.

And having missed out on their success this time around he is eager to experience it for himself.

The 30-year-old has featured only 12 times for the Scorpions this year having called time on his season two months ago due to shoulder and back problems.

He has remained a key figure at the Eddie Wright Raceway though, and can regularly be seen in the centre green and in the pits during home meetings.

Promoter Rob Godfrey has often spoken of the galvanising effect Howe continues to have, but the man himself is particularly modest when it comes to claiming any part of Scunthorpe's achievements.

"I don't know if I bring anything to the team or not but I try to encourage them and helped Ash (Birks) and Michael (Palm Toft) a bit," he said.

"It's nice to be involved.

"I feel part of the set-up but it's a tough one whether I still feel part of the team.

"The success they've had is down to them, I think I only did one Premier League meeting when I was fit.

"Where they've got themselves in the league is down to them, not down to me.

"Hopefully I'll be in a winning team next year.

"We've been saying for a few years Scunny have been building up for more, so it's good.

"You feed off it. You get that winning feeling and want to win again.

"You just hope it can help the fans and the crowd because numbers have been down this year – the world is going through tough times."

Scunthorpe must wait on the outcome of Friday's meeting between Edinburgh and Workington to discover if they have made it through to the Premier League play-off final against Somerset.

But whatever their fate, Howe says the club can take pride in a year which saw them finish second in the regular table – not that he expected anything less.

"I was saying at the start of the year I thought we'd got a good team and the few little tweaks that have been made have worked," he said.

"It's not been the best injury-wise but Ash has done what I expected and Michael's been fantastic.

"I thought they could do it, but it's different riders who have really stepped up, like Michael.

"Strong reserves are the key. Whoever's in reserve, whether it's Michael or Ash, they are strong and strong reserves win leagues."

The Leicesterian's focus is already on next season.

With his injuries gradually healing, Howe is planning to step up his efforts over the winter and is confident of being fully fit for the start of next term.

"I had a practice the other week and didn't feel too bad, it's just building up all the strength and getting back to full fitness," he explained.

"I think if we were in April I may be pushing to race, but there's no point trying to get back now for one or two meetings – and it would take a month or so to get back up to speed.

"It's better to come back 100 per cent fit instead.

"The time off's given me a chance to make sure all my other injuries are right.

"I don't normally do a lot in winter, as in riding, but once I get what I deem to be the all-clear I'll have a few practices and do a little bit more because I've been missing riding.

"Normally by the end of October you're ready for a break, but I'm ready to get going!"