Around the Premier League Tracks 2007 - the close season 2007/8
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Friday, 2 November
Premier League News
Isle of Wight: News of Chris Johnson who suffered serious injuries following his crash at King’s Lynn late in the season appeared in this article by Bryn Williams in the Isle of Wight County Press:
CHRIS Johnson, who suffered very serious injuries in a crash during the Wightlink Islanders’ away league match at King’s Lynn, underwent a ten-hour operation on Wednesday of last week, to stabilise his pelvis and to make some temporary repairs to his left leg.That operation took place at a specialist unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and doctors have told he 20-year-old rider that the signs are good. Despite now having undergone four major operations since his crash and facing the prospect of even more to put right the damage he suffered, he remains in good spirits.He has also been overwhelmed by the messages of support he has received from the IW speedway fraternity. Speaking from his bed, he said: “I would really like to thank everyone who has sent me cards etc and taken the trouble to visit me since my crash and say how much it’s helped to keep feeling positive.“I’m keeping as cheerful as I can in the circumstances but I know I have to face more operations and have a long way to go before I’ll be allowed out of hospital and then a long road to a full recovery from my injuries.”There was some good news, however, as Wightlink Islanders skipper Jason Bunyan delighted those attending the club’s end-of-season presentation night at the stadium last Friday by telling them that he’ll be back as the club’s skipper in 2008.There had been some speculation within the speedway fraternity that the 28-year-old star might be a winter target for other Premier League clubs and, indeed, one or two racing at Elite League level. Jason himself though put paid to any such speculation by announcing on Friday that he had agreed a deal with the club to return to lead the club's assault on the Premier League title next season.“We’re absolutely delighted to have announced Jason’s re-signing at this point,” said co-promoter Dave Pavitt. “Jason did an outstanding job as our skipper this year and equally sure he’'ll do so again in 2008.”Further moves in terms of team building for next season depend now on decisions taken at the forthcoming promoters AGM which takes place at the end of this month. Once those decisions are taken, the Wightlink Islanders management will look to finalise their 2008 team plans at an early date.
Workington: The Comets are the team in the news these days following their sale to Keith Denham. It seems that James Wright was not part of the sale and speculation has started about where and in which league the Premier League Riders’ Champion will ride next year. This was an article which appeared in the News and Star:
STAR rider James Wright is set to make a crunch decision on his future with Workington Comets.The Premier League champ was NOT included in the takeover deal for the club – and could opt for the Elite League. Promoter Tony Mole agreed the sale on Tuesday with new owner Keith Denham, but 21-year-old Wright will be listed as retained by R&D Aggregates Ltd. Also included on that R and D Aggregates list are fellow British riders Lee Derbyshire and James Mann, neither of whom rode in British speedway last season. Australian Rusty Harrison, a Workington asset who spent most of last season on loan to Stoke before deciding to retire, is another who has not been included in the deal. Italian Mattia Carpanese, who went home before the end of his first season with the Comets, is among five non-British riders not included in the sale. The others are Harrison, Charles Ermolenko, Shaun McConnell and Charles Venegas. Wright has been riding in the Elite League with Belle Vue, his last season of being allowed to double-up and will have to make a decision on his 2008 riding plans. Mole, whose R and D Aggregates company re-launched the Comets at Derwent Park in 1999, said today: “James has yet to make up his mind as to which league he will ride in, be it Elite League or Premier League, or which club he will ride for in the 2008 season.” Meanwhile the Kidderminster-based businessman has lodged a planning application with Dudley Council in a bid to revive the famous old Cradley club. Mole, who successfully re-launched Birmingham in March after a 20-year absence, has targeted a site at Oldnall Road, close to their former Dudley Wood home.He said: “It has taken a long time to get to this position and naturally we feel confident we have addressed all the issues thoroughly.” In recent years Mole had bought Belle Vue and Mildenhall before selling his interests and after this week’s sale of Workington he was left with only Birmingham. Both Mole and Denham will be at the Comets’ prize presentation in the Washington Central tonight.
Friday, 2 November 2007
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Around the Premier League Tracks 2007 - the close season 2007/8
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Thursday, 1 November
Premier League News
Glasgow: David McAllan has returned home from hospital after his horrific accident in the Premier League match at Ashfield against Birmingham. The Sun says:
GLASGOW TIGERS ace David McAllan is out of hospital following a horror smash – but has been told he must have a metal rod in his spine for at least a year.McAllan suffered a back injury when he crashed into the perimiter fence against Birmingham 16 days ago. Tigers’ co-promoter Alan Dick said: “His physio has gone really well over the last few days and he’s walking again, although with the aid of a frame.
Somerset: The Rebels stage their end of season party on Saturday. The following appeared in the Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:
SOMERSET Sharp Rebels' presentation night on Saturday will incorporate the official opening of the new clubhouse at the Oak Tree Arena.There are three main rider awards up for grabs: Most Improved, Most Entertaining and Rider Of The Season. Early indications from voting by the fans show that each will be a close-run thing. Reserve Danny Warwick was named as the 2007 winner of the Fred Fountain Memorial Trophy at last Friday's final home meeting. The presentation was made by Mrs Fountain and was warmly received by both rider and fans."To receive a trophy such as this is always special, particularly when you see that the previous winners include such as Paul Fry and Glenn Cunningham," said a delighted Warwick. "I always go out with the aim of trying to entertain the fans as well as win, so it is nice to know that my efforts are appreciated."Fans are reminded that 2008 season tickets are available as follows: Adult £286, concessions £220, child £88, all of which represent a huge saving compared to paying at the gate every week. The adult and concession package will include a free programme if the application is received before January 31. Applications should be sent, together with an SAE and passport-sized photograph, to Somerset Speedway, 9 Carisbrooke Crescent, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL.
Berwick: The Bandits seemed poised to sign Matej Kus according to the Sun:
BERWICK gaffer Peter Waite is set to name his first signing for 2008 but has to wait for a school rota to be released. Waite is eyeing Czech sensation Matej Kus after booting out five flops. However his teen target is in his final year at school and has several key exams to sit.He said: “Matej is the first of many we’ll be trying to sign. But he’s still at school and has yet to let us know the dates of his exams. We’re hoping he can fit in all of our meetings because we need riders 100 per cent committed.”
Berwick: It seems that David Meldrum’s speedway career may be at an end as he heads for America. This appeared in the Berwick Advertiser:
BERWICK'S longest-serving rider, David Meldrum looks as if he might have run his last race for the Bandits.Meldrum, who has been a loyal servant to his home-town club over the past 12 years, is currently recovering from a broken ankle he sustained towards the back end of last season, which meant him missing the final month of the campaign. But he is currently engaged to be married, and the indications are that he is hoping to move to America shortly to be with his fiance. But before he leaves some supporters are calling on the club to recognise his service with a special benefit meeting. Some have even suggested a testimonial, but promoter Peter Waite says he does not think that would be possible as his contract has not been held exclusively by the Bandits for all that time.Meldrum has raced for all or part of 11 of his 12 years in the sport with the Shielfield Park outfit - the only exception was when he had a brief spell with Somerset, although he also rode on loan at Newcastle. "I can understand how people feel about David," said Waite. "He is a home-town boy and that is why everyone around Shielfield loves him so much."He only lives a few hundred yards from the stadium in Tweedmouth and he has been part of the Berwick team for a considerable number of years now. But Berwick have not always held his contract, and that is where the difficulty lies. He was first contracted to ex-promoter Mike Hope, but there was a time when his contract was held by the BSPA. We bought it back, but in effect it was broken service."I know that sounds stupid when you think how many years he has raced for the club - there aren't that many riders around who show that much loyalty to the same team - and when you look around at how some riders are awarded testimonials when they have only been with a club for a couple of seasons it seems all the more ludicrous."I will have to see what 'Victor's' plans are, but he has been part and parcel of the scene here at Berwick for as long as I have been running the club and if he is planning to retire it would be nice to mark it in some way. David is a nice lad. He was never ever going to be a world beater, but he has had his moments, particularly around Shielfield, which is a track he knows like the back of his hand."On his day he was capable of beating anyone here. He was certainly a very useful rider to have as a reserve -cum- second string and quite often he proved to be a match-winner. On his travels he wasn't quite so hot, and over the last few years his form has dropped off slightly, but he was just starting to get his act together at the end of this year when he tragically broke his ankle."I don't know if he intends riding again, but I know he has just recently got engaged and there is some talk about him going to America. If that's the case he will be a big miss here, because he has been part of the fittings, and for that alone we will have to see if we can organise some sort of benefit, because I'm sure the fans wouldn't want to see him go without saying goodbye."
Rye House: It looks like the Rockets will have Stefan Ekberg in the side again next year according to the Harlow Herald:
PROMOTER Len Silver has already started speculation about the make up of next season's Rockets team by purchasing the contract of Stefan Ekberg. The 35-year-old Swede proved a revelation when he was signed in August and had a major influence on the Rockets' title success. Ekberg, who has riding commitments in his homeland and in Poland, proved a big hit with the Hoddesdon fans. And the Swedish speedway star has already hinted that he would like a return to action with the Premier League champions next year.
Oxford: With Oxford set to join the Premier League next year the local paper, the Oxford Mail, had the following article:
IF you want to see top quality speedway, then get along to Oxford Stadium every week - that's the rallying call from promoter Allen Trump.The Oxford Cheetahs promoter may find out this week whether his bid for Premier League speedway has been successful. But even if it is turned down, Trump says that he will back Conference League speedway - if the Oxford public back him."I'll provide a strong team, if there is the level of support," he said. Trump has lost money as an owner, but says he is dedicated to Oxford. He said: "I will need around 800-plus fans each meeting to cover the increased costs of running in the Premier League."On top of that, I need a guaranteed total sponsorship of around £35,000. I have promises from various sources if we get into the Premier League, and if Oxford wants it, the fans will have to add their support. We have set up a whole new structure, but it relies on bigger gates and sponsor- ship."Trump revealed that his ambition is to provide Oxford with high level action, but rules out the Elite League. “It has been shown in the past that Oxford cannot support an Elite League club," he added. "If it has to happen, I will continue in the Conference next season, but it would be difficult to have a meaningful season - ie, a meeting every week."Normally, the stadium landlords would expect to receive around £28,000 for a season, but in the Conference there would be only 16 meetings at home, possibly pushing my costs up to £1,600 (per meeting)."The problem is that the GRA want the money up front, which puts a big dent in the finances before the season begins. Oxford is a very tentative town in which to run speedway. You walk a fine line, but I like to think we have kept the crowds up with some fine performances so far."The result of Oxford's application could be announced as early as today, but the decision will need to be ratified at the AGM at the end of the month. As soon as the result is known, Trump intends to call a meeting at Oxford Stadium to outline his future plans and sponsorship.
Workington: Following yesterday’s news that the Comets had been sold the News and Star had the following article:
FOR a fan standing on the Derwent Park terraces 37 years ago watching the birth of the Workington Comets, Keith Denham has realised the dream. After several years of trying – with near misses on more than one occasion – he has struck a deal with owner Tony Mole to buy the Comets from R and D Aggregates. Chief executive of Workington’s biggest employers – Thomas Armstrong (Holdings) Ltd – he has the financial clout to suggest that the Comets could be major players in the ever-changing world of British speedway. That’s not an indication he wants to move-up into the Elite League, more a statement of intent with regard to the innovations he intends to introduce at Derwent Park. But this is no rich man’s plaything, and it is a personal purchase with no financial involvement from the company. He means business on his own, with a select team built round him. “I’ve been a speedway fan since the 1950’s and have followed the Comets since they first ran in 1970. I’m local and can relate to them racing in Workington. That’s why I was frightened that the club might fall into the wrong hands, going to people who might be able to buy it but couldn’t afford to run it. That might have been the end of it. “So I’m pleased the deal has been struck and we can get on with the job of marketing Workington speedway and provide the kind of excitement each week that makes people want to go back for more. One thing I can say here and now is that there will be no admission increase for 2008. They will be pegged at this season’s prices. “I will also be encouraging heavy promotion in other parts of the county, because there are speedway fans from Carlisle and Penrith right down to Barrow and Millom,” he says. And what would be his main wish for his first season in charge next year? He doesn’t pause – “To please the fans, giving them excitement and entertainment each week – even above winning trophies, although that would be nice.” Denham wants to make improvements to the Derwent Park track and the facilities at the stadium – but knows he needs to sit down and talk with the landlords from Workington Town. “I’m here for the long haul, not just a short stay and there are a number of things we can do to improve surroundings for fans. I’m talking about basics, like improving the car park and toilets, but also putting-up a fence behind the first and second turns, and also putting in corporate boxes on the second bend. “Whatever happens we will be improving the surface and one of the first jobs will be to dig-up and relay the first and second turns. We want the best track in the country,” he says. Denham has already studied the green sheet averages in readiness for recruiting a team for the 2008 season. He’s discussed possible signings with co-promoter Ian Thomas. “I would like to think we can have the team put together by December 1. Certainly that’s what I’m aiming to do, but obviously a lot depends on who we can fit into the team average. There’s no doubt that I want Ulrich Ostergaard back at Derwent Park. Now he really is a spearhead, the aggressive all-action, total-professional who gets people out of their seats. We have started talks with him and I hope that he’ll agree to join us permanently for next year,” he says. The new owner is to insist that the riders all wear the same coloured kevlars for next season. It’s that kind of togetherness he wants on and off the track as he prepares to lead the Comets into a new era, in what also promises to be one of the most crucial seasons the sport in general has faced for a while.
Premier League News
Glasgow: David McAllan has returned home from hospital after his horrific accident in the Premier League match at Ashfield against Birmingham. The Sun says:
GLASGOW TIGERS ace David McAllan is out of hospital following a horror smash – but has been told he must have a metal rod in his spine for at least a year.McAllan suffered a back injury when he crashed into the perimiter fence against Birmingham 16 days ago. Tigers’ co-promoter Alan Dick said: “His physio has gone really well over the last few days and he’s walking again, although with the aid of a frame.
Somerset: The Rebels stage their end of season party on Saturday. The following appeared in the Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:
SOMERSET Sharp Rebels' presentation night on Saturday will incorporate the official opening of the new clubhouse at the Oak Tree Arena.There are three main rider awards up for grabs: Most Improved, Most Entertaining and Rider Of The Season. Early indications from voting by the fans show that each will be a close-run thing. Reserve Danny Warwick was named as the 2007 winner of the Fred Fountain Memorial Trophy at last Friday's final home meeting. The presentation was made by Mrs Fountain and was warmly received by both rider and fans."To receive a trophy such as this is always special, particularly when you see that the previous winners include such as Paul Fry and Glenn Cunningham," said a delighted Warwick. "I always go out with the aim of trying to entertain the fans as well as win, so it is nice to know that my efforts are appreciated."Fans are reminded that 2008 season tickets are available as follows: Adult £286, concessions £220, child £88, all of which represent a huge saving compared to paying at the gate every week. The adult and concession package will include a free programme if the application is received before January 31. Applications should be sent, together with an SAE and passport-sized photograph, to Somerset Speedway, 9 Carisbrooke Crescent, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4EL.
Berwick: The Bandits seemed poised to sign Matej Kus according to the Sun:
BERWICK gaffer Peter Waite is set to name his first signing for 2008 but has to wait for a school rota to be released. Waite is eyeing Czech sensation Matej Kus after booting out five flops. However his teen target is in his final year at school and has several key exams to sit.He said: “Matej is the first of many we’ll be trying to sign. But he’s still at school and has yet to let us know the dates of his exams. We’re hoping he can fit in all of our meetings because we need riders 100 per cent committed.”
Berwick: It seems that David Meldrum’s speedway career may be at an end as he heads for America. This appeared in the Berwick Advertiser:
BERWICK'S longest-serving rider, David Meldrum looks as if he might have run his last race for the Bandits.Meldrum, who has been a loyal servant to his home-town club over the past 12 years, is currently recovering from a broken ankle he sustained towards the back end of last season, which meant him missing the final month of the campaign. But he is currently engaged to be married, and the indications are that he is hoping to move to America shortly to be with his fiance. But before he leaves some supporters are calling on the club to recognise his service with a special benefit meeting. Some have even suggested a testimonial, but promoter Peter Waite says he does not think that would be possible as his contract has not been held exclusively by the Bandits for all that time.Meldrum has raced for all or part of 11 of his 12 years in the sport with the Shielfield Park outfit - the only exception was when he had a brief spell with Somerset, although he also rode on loan at Newcastle. "I can understand how people feel about David," said Waite. "He is a home-town boy and that is why everyone around Shielfield loves him so much."He only lives a few hundred yards from the stadium in Tweedmouth and he has been part of the Berwick team for a considerable number of years now. But Berwick have not always held his contract, and that is where the difficulty lies. He was first contracted to ex-promoter Mike Hope, but there was a time when his contract was held by the BSPA. We bought it back, but in effect it was broken service."I know that sounds stupid when you think how many years he has raced for the club - there aren't that many riders around who show that much loyalty to the same team - and when you look around at how some riders are awarded testimonials when they have only been with a club for a couple of seasons it seems all the more ludicrous."I will have to see what 'Victor's' plans are, but he has been part and parcel of the scene here at Berwick for as long as I have been running the club and if he is planning to retire it would be nice to mark it in some way. David is a nice lad. He was never ever going to be a world beater, but he has had his moments, particularly around Shielfield, which is a track he knows like the back of his hand."On his day he was capable of beating anyone here. He was certainly a very useful rider to have as a reserve -cum- second string and quite often he proved to be a match-winner. On his travels he wasn't quite so hot, and over the last few years his form has dropped off slightly, but he was just starting to get his act together at the end of this year when he tragically broke his ankle."I don't know if he intends riding again, but I know he has just recently got engaged and there is some talk about him going to America. If that's the case he will be a big miss here, because he has been part of the fittings, and for that alone we will have to see if we can organise some sort of benefit, because I'm sure the fans wouldn't want to see him go without saying goodbye."
Rye House: It looks like the Rockets will have Stefan Ekberg in the side again next year according to the Harlow Herald:
PROMOTER Len Silver has already started speculation about the make up of next season's Rockets team by purchasing the contract of Stefan Ekberg. The 35-year-old Swede proved a revelation when he was signed in August and had a major influence on the Rockets' title success. Ekberg, who has riding commitments in his homeland and in Poland, proved a big hit with the Hoddesdon fans. And the Swedish speedway star has already hinted that he would like a return to action with the Premier League champions next year.
Oxford: With Oxford set to join the Premier League next year the local paper, the Oxford Mail, had the following article:
IF you want to see top quality speedway, then get along to Oxford Stadium every week - that's the rallying call from promoter Allen Trump.The Oxford Cheetahs promoter may find out this week whether his bid for Premier League speedway has been successful. But even if it is turned down, Trump says that he will back Conference League speedway - if the Oxford public back him."I'll provide a strong team, if there is the level of support," he said. Trump has lost money as an owner, but says he is dedicated to Oxford. He said: "I will need around 800-plus fans each meeting to cover the increased costs of running in the Premier League."On top of that, I need a guaranteed total sponsorship of around £35,000. I have promises from various sources if we get into the Premier League, and if Oxford wants it, the fans will have to add their support. We have set up a whole new structure, but it relies on bigger gates and sponsor- ship."Trump revealed that his ambition is to provide Oxford with high level action, but rules out the Elite League. “It has been shown in the past that Oxford cannot support an Elite League club," he added. "If it has to happen, I will continue in the Conference next season, but it would be difficult to have a meaningful season - ie, a meeting every week."Normally, the stadium landlords would expect to receive around £28,000 for a season, but in the Conference there would be only 16 meetings at home, possibly pushing my costs up to £1,600 (per meeting)."The problem is that the GRA want the money up front, which puts a big dent in the finances before the season begins. Oxford is a very tentative town in which to run speedway. You walk a fine line, but I like to think we have kept the crowds up with some fine performances so far."The result of Oxford's application could be announced as early as today, but the decision will need to be ratified at the AGM at the end of the month. As soon as the result is known, Trump intends to call a meeting at Oxford Stadium to outline his future plans and sponsorship.
Workington: Following yesterday’s news that the Comets had been sold the News and Star had the following article:
FOR a fan standing on the Derwent Park terraces 37 years ago watching the birth of the Workington Comets, Keith Denham has realised the dream. After several years of trying – with near misses on more than one occasion – he has struck a deal with owner Tony Mole to buy the Comets from R and D Aggregates. Chief executive of Workington’s biggest employers – Thomas Armstrong (Holdings) Ltd – he has the financial clout to suggest that the Comets could be major players in the ever-changing world of British speedway. That’s not an indication he wants to move-up into the Elite League, more a statement of intent with regard to the innovations he intends to introduce at Derwent Park. But this is no rich man’s plaything, and it is a personal purchase with no financial involvement from the company. He means business on his own, with a select team built round him. “I’ve been a speedway fan since the 1950’s and have followed the Comets since they first ran in 1970. I’m local and can relate to them racing in Workington. That’s why I was frightened that the club might fall into the wrong hands, going to people who might be able to buy it but couldn’t afford to run it. That might have been the end of it. “So I’m pleased the deal has been struck and we can get on with the job of marketing Workington speedway and provide the kind of excitement each week that makes people want to go back for more. One thing I can say here and now is that there will be no admission increase for 2008. They will be pegged at this season’s prices. “I will also be encouraging heavy promotion in other parts of the county, because there are speedway fans from Carlisle and Penrith right down to Barrow and Millom,” he says. And what would be his main wish for his first season in charge next year? He doesn’t pause – “To please the fans, giving them excitement and entertainment each week – even above winning trophies, although that would be nice.” Denham wants to make improvements to the Derwent Park track and the facilities at the stadium – but knows he needs to sit down and talk with the landlords from Workington Town. “I’m here for the long haul, not just a short stay and there are a number of things we can do to improve surroundings for fans. I’m talking about basics, like improving the car park and toilets, but also putting-up a fence behind the first and second turns, and also putting in corporate boxes on the second bend. “Whatever happens we will be improving the surface and one of the first jobs will be to dig-up and relay the first and second turns. We want the best track in the country,” he says. Denham has already studied the green sheet averages in readiness for recruiting a team for the 2008 season. He’s discussed possible signings with co-promoter Ian Thomas. “I would like to think we can have the team put together by December 1. Certainly that’s what I’m aiming to do, but obviously a lot depends on who we can fit into the team average. There’s no doubt that I want Ulrich Ostergaard back at Derwent Park. Now he really is a spearhead, the aggressive all-action, total-professional who gets people out of their seats. We have started talks with him and I hope that he’ll agree to join us permanently for next year,” he says. The new owner is to insist that the riders all wear the same coloured kevlars for next season. It’s that kind of togetherness he wants on and off the track as he prepares to lead the Comets into a new era, in what also promises to be one of the most crucial seasons the sport in general has faced for a while.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Around the Premier League Tracks 2007 - the close season 2007/8
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Wednesday, October 31
Premier League News
Workington: It seems that Workington has been sold by Tony Mole to a lifelong Comets’ fan, Keith Denham, chief executive of Thomas Armstrong (Holdings) Ltd. Denham will be co-promoter along with Ian Thomas. What is not clear is whether Denham has bought the Comets’ rider assets. Tony Mole’s Premier League interests not lie solely with Birmingham.
An article in the News and Star reads as follows:
“WORKINGTON COMETS have been bought by West Cumbrian business boss Keith Denham – a lifelong fan.Denham, chief executive of Thomas Armstrong(Holdings) Ltd has taken over control from promoter Tony Mole who re-introduced speedway to Derwent Park, Workington in 1999. Denham, who has stressed the fact that he has personally bought the club, admits he’s been trying to buy it since 2001. He said: “Tony Mole and I have always had a good relationship and we’ve regularly sat down and talked about a possible deal. Now that I have bought the Comets I hope to be able to move the club forward and build on the solid foundations already laid down.” “I’m local – I know the people – I’ve been a fan from 1970. I’ve made plenty of noise in the past about how things could be improved, now it will be up to me to make sure things happen that will do just that. I have lots of ideas I would like to bring to fruition. Some of those involve the landlords, Workington Town RLFC and I will be sitting down with their board of directors in the next couple of weeks,” he said. Denham has already applied to the BSPA for a promoter’s licence and says he will be attending the association’s annual conference next month. Ian Thomas, the man who first brought speedway to Derwent Park in 1970 when Denham first watched from the terraces, will work with him as co-promoter. Mole, who now only has the Birmingham track in his speedway ‘stable’ said: “I believe this is excellent news for the Comets fans and it will take the club into a new era with fresh ideas. I have worked closely with Keith and Thomas Armstrong since speedway returned to Workington and we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship. The support of Thomas Armstrong has been greatly appreciated during this time. As promoter of the Comets I have enjoyed my nine seasons at the club since March 1999 and have made many new friends.” “Finally I should just like to thank the board of directors and staff of Workington Town RLFC Ltd for the use of their stadium and the Allerdale Borough Council for having the vision to grant planning consent and renewing it.”
Premier League News
Workington: It seems that Workington has been sold by Tony Mole to a lifelong Comets’ fan, Keith Denham, chief executive of Thomas Armstrong (Holdings) Ltd. Denham will be co-promoter along with Ian Thomas. What is not clear is whether Denham has bought the Comets’ rider assets. Tony Mole’s Premier League interests not lie solely with Birmingham.
An article in the News and Star reads as follows:
“WORKINGTON COMETS have been bought by West Cumbrian business boss Keith Denham – a lifelong fan.Denham, chief executive of Thomas Armstrong(Holdings) Ltd has taken over control from promoter Tony Mole who re-introduced speedway to Derwent Park, Workington in 1999. Denham, who has stressed the fact that he has personally bought the club, admits he’s been trying to buy it since 2001. He said: “Tony Mole and I have always had a good relationship and we’ve regularly sat down and talked about a possible deal. Now that I have bought the Comets I hope to be able to move the club forward and build on the solid foundations already laid down.” “I’m local – I know the people – I’ve been a fan from 1970. I’ve made plenty of noise in the past about how things could be improved, now it will be up to me to make sure things happen that will do just that. I have lots of ideas I would like to bring to fruition. Some of those involve the landlords, Workington Town RLFC and I will be sitting down with their board of directors in the next couple of weeks,” he said. Denham has already applied to the BSPA for a promoter’s licence and says he will be attending the association’s annual conference next month. Ian Thomas, the man who first brought speedway to Derwent Park in 1970 when Denham first watched from the terraces, will work with him as co-promoter. Mole, who now only has the Birmingham track in his speedway ‘stable’ said: “I believe this is excellent news for the Comets fans and it will take the club into a new era with fresh ideas. I have worked closely with Keith and Thomas Armstrong since speedway returned to Workington and we have enjoyed an excellent working relationship. The support of Thomas Armstrong has been greatly appreciated during this time. As promoter of the Comets I have enjoyed my nine seasons at the club since March 1999 and have made many new friends.” “Finally I should just like to thank the board of directors and staff of Workington Town RLFC Ltd for the use of their stadium and the Allerdale Borough Council for having the vision to grant planning consent and renewing it.”
Glasgow: Press reports suggest that Glasgow have lost interest, at least for the time being, in signing Filip Sitera. The Glasgow promotion were more than impressed with Sitera’s performance in the Ashfield Classic in which he finished runner up but his Sunday commitments next year in Poland have ruled him out of any plans the Tigers may have. The Glasgow Evening Times commented:
GLASGOW TIGERS have cooled their interest in Filip Sitera - after the Czech speedway sensation agreed terms to race in the Polish League.The 19-year-old whiz wooed fans in the recent Ashfield Classic and supporters urged Tigers bosses to snap up the Czech Junior champ. However, Polish League clubs race on a Sunday - the same day as Tigers - which has left club chief Alan Dick no alternative but to pull the plug.Dick said: "We need riders who are 100% committed to the Tigers. We have precious few available Sundays. In fact, we had to stage two double-headers this season. It's a great pity because he was an absolute daredevil and one of the most exciting visitors we've had at Ashfield in years. He raced INCHES from the safety fence - it was incredible to watch."
Sheffield: Kyle Legault has asked Sheffield, who own his contract, for a transfer. An article in the Sheffield Star reads:
SHEFFIELD Tigers asset Kyle Legault has this week spoken on his reasons for putting in a transfer request away from Owlerton.
The Canadian star said: "I feel that it is very important to outline why I have handed in my transfer request with the Tigers. I would like to place on record my thanks to Neil Machin and the promotions team in Sheffield as they gave me the chance to come to England and have a career in British speedway."It was a disappointment to me that we couldn't agree on a contract for last season and I found myself looking for a job and in a difficult situation as the Tigers still owned my rights and had a say on where I went. Luckily I ended in Mildenhall and I have had a great time and made some big advances in my career."I am very ambitious and want to ride in the Grand Prix series, I am not sure I will get that chance while still contracted to the Sheffield Tigers. At this stage of my career, I would like to be racing at the highest possible level in both the UK and also in Europe and I think the Elite League is where I need to be for that to happen. "With that in mind then I think it would be best for both sides if we parted company professionally and the Tigers granted my wish to move to another club permanently, which in turn should allow me to get the best out of my career. Sheffield will always be a place I love to go and it is my home in England."
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