CHRIS Morton and David Gordon began their speedway careers as boy riders at Belle Vue's famous old Hyde Road stadium.

Morton went on to become an Aces legend during a glittering career which brought World Pairs and Team Cup titles as well as an MBE for his services to the sport.

Gordon, on other hand, retired at the age of 15 after a few visits to the club's training school and a more than a few close acquaintanceships of the painful kind with the safety fence.

But, years later, the pair have teamed up to become the owners of the club regarded as the Manchester United of speedway. They have agreed a deal with owner, Tony Mole, and will take over on November 6, subject to contract.

Morton, 50 and working in financial services, and 57-year-old Gordon, managing director of the Trafford-based Highland Group, are dyed in the wool Belle Vue fans and are thrilled at the prospect of being in charge.

But both insist that is the secondary issue as they keep their eyes focussed primarily on the move as a business venture.

Speedway is growing in popularity and its rising TV viewing figures make it one of the most popular summer spectator sports.

Careful

Morton, who has been club's commercial manager since Mole bought it two years ago, will be the front man in charge of the day-to-day running but is not yet in a position to reveal plans.

He said: "I have got to be careful not to get too carried away about coming to Belle Vue like this but this was a great opportunity for me that I didn't want to let go.

"I'm keen to have a go and probably wouldn't have considered being an owner anywhere else. I am under no illusions about the size of the job. It has taken a lot of thinking to be sure it is the right thing to do and to get to this point. David and I are not doing it lightly. You can say that I'm excited but there are still a few things to be sorted out."

Gordon, a lifetime Belle Vue fan and former manager of the England lacrosse team, has developed a good relationship with Morton which led him to sponsor rising young star, Simon Stead, this season.

He is confident they will form a powerful business relationship as well, saying: "I have been a fan of Belle Vue since I was a boy. I first went in 1962 so I've supported the club for many years but this is a commercial decision.

"Chris has been a Belle Vue legend over many years so the fit of us going in together is perfect as far as I'm concerned. Let's hope it all works out.

"Chris and myself get on very well. We are on very much the same wavelength and view modern day speedway in a similar way.

"He's a Belle Vue legend and, from a commercial point of view, he needs no introduction to the fans and that includes those who are maybe not coming right now. We hope to get them back watching Belle Vue again.

"Being a fan and a businessman are two totally different things. I'm a businessman first and a fan second."

What is your verdict on the developments? Have your say.

Tweet