SPEEDWAY legend James Grieves believes Glasgow are carrying the same spirit as the 2011 league-winning side he was part of.

But he's told the Tigers they must win their double-header against Newcastle this weekend if they're serious about repeating the feat.

The 40-year-old from Paisley, who retired in 2013, is part of the Tigers revolution this season as mechanic for No 1 Nick Morris.

He says there's a "fresh buzz" around the Peugeot Ashfield Stadium following its £1million winter overhaul - and that the whole club is set up for success.

Glasgow will finally make a return to the track on Sunday after a couple of weather-affected weeks when the Diamonds pay a visit, before heading south for the return leg on Monday.

Grieves said: "The Glasgow team is solid. From the outside looking on, they all help one another, they all talk and they all get on. There's definitely team spirit there. It's similar to 2011.

"I think they could probably go away from home and do some damage. The likes of against Newcastle - they need to be looking to win these matches, because they're not the strongest of teams. They need to be aiming high.

"If I was team manager Stewart Dickson, I'd be saying that the Newcastle matches are ones they should be winning and they should be focused on winning those meetings.

"I just mechanic for Nick now, but even I'm focusing and saying to myself that we need to win, particularly on Monday. I'm thinking as if I'm still riding - this is a must win."

But Grieves insists it won't all be plain sailing for the pre-season title favourites - as Glasgow are now seen as a big scalp for visiting teams.

He added: "There are a few solid teams out there so they can't become complacent. It's going to be a tough old season, because everybody's going to be coming to Glasgow and wanting to put on a good show, and they'll want to be beating Glasgow."

Meanwhile, fresh from their appearance in front of the Sky Sports cameras last week, the Tigers will once again be showcased live on TV when their Premier League match at Peterborough on June 24 is shown by the broadcaster.

The match has been rearranged after it was postponed on Friday.