Experienced Dutchman Theo Pijper returns to Berwick Bandits after being released by Redcar Bears.
Bandits’ team manager Scott Courtney said: “It is a bitter sweet feeling when changes have to be made, but we have to follow what we feel is best for the club.
“Bringing Theo back to Berwick in the Reserve berth makes perfect sense.
“In 2016, he was consistently performing as a heat leader for most of that season for us and, if we can rekindle some of that fire, I think we stand a very good chance maintaining our good home form and also adding some away points to our tally.
“Naturally it’s very difficult to make these decisions and averages play the most significant part to all of this. John Lindman is a good guy who has came over and given it a good shot.
“He has shown glimpses of form but there is no doubt that some of the challenges of the upcoming away tracks will be a big hurdle for him and we feel the need at this stage to bring in an experienced and well-prepared campaigner in Theo.”
He added: “I hope this is not the last we see of John and we have done everything we can to make him feel welcome and he always will be welcome at Berwick.
“John’s current match average is around three points and the need to do well at home, and away is as strong as ever this season, hence the reason we have made the move.
Pijper makes his return to the Northumbrian side this Saturday when local rivals the Newcastle Diamonds visit in the Championship
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