Speedway: Double coup by Aces

December 19, 2006

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RETURNIING: Kevin Doolan

BELLE Vue have made a double swoop to re-sign their Great Britain World Cup star, Simon Stead, and bring highly-rated Australian, Kevin Doolan, back to Kirkmanshulme Lane.

Also, in a shock move, they have been given permission to talk to World champion, Jason Crump, even though he has looked certain to join Poole after five years with the Aces.

New bosses David Gordon and Chris Morton had asked fans for patience after completing their takeover last month and the signings of Stead and Doolan will be highly popular on the terraces.

Stead, who has moved from reserve to No 1 in two outstanding seasons with the club, was on holiday in Mexico when the club changed hands.

Morton said: "Simon has had two years at Belle Vue and, in that time, he has progressed from being a top guy in the Premier League to be a top guy in the Elite League.

"He has seen the move up as a stepping stone to what is his clear personal ambition of becoming a Grand Prix rider.

"He didn't quite manage to qualify this year but he is moving in the right direction and I think we will see him mature even more next year.

"I think next season can be a special year for him because he has the ability to become a special rider. It will be an important year in his development and we will do all we can to help him.

"I can understand his focus on the Grand Prix completely and I have no problem with that because, if he does well in his efforts to qualify, then everything will fall into place for him here. He is ready to step up to the plate to make even more progress."

Doolan, 26, began his career in Britain at Belle Vue in 1999 but he wasn't ready for Elite League racing at that point. He has ridden at Berwick, Glasgow and King's Lynn in the interim and comes into the Aces' side on a 4.20 average.

Reports

Morton added: "I've heard good reports of Kevin and I was very pleased to find that he was available after having a great season at King's Lynn.

"I was also pleased to find he had a lower average than I thought. That was because the official averages don't take bonus points into account and Kevin scored a lot last season.

"Not only does that bring his average down to 4.20 but it shows that he is very good at team riding.

"He is a rider with great ambition and enthusiasm who wants to step up into the Elite League. I know he rode for the Aces back in 1999 and 2000 but he wasn't ready for this level of racing then but he is now.

"He's an Aussie which means he'll have ambition and a will to win. Also, he has as Australian World champion to look up to in Jason Crump."

Crump was taken out of the deal when Gordon and Morton bought the club from Tony Mole because he had signalled he wanted a change.

Poole remain front-runners to sign the 31-year-old Aussie but Mole is still waiting for an offer from the Dorset club, who have just lost their main sponsor. Mole said: "I have given Belle Vue permission to talk to Jason.

"The ball is in Poole's court who have yet to make an offer on the basis of a valuation we sent them more than a week ago."

Morton said: "We have had contact with Jason since we took over to say the door is still open if things don't work out as planned.

"He has made it clear he wants to go to Poole. We are keen to keep a good relationship with Jason and I understand why he wants a move.

"We have had no talks about him coming back but we have let him know we are interested. We'll have to sit on the side and see what happens."

What do you thin? Have your say.

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Harry, Manchester (19/12/2006 at 11:59)

I have the utmost respect for the Aces' new management team, but have to say I think they're wrong to hold the door open for Crump.

If Crump comes back, he'll be half-hearted at best. We should only be signing riders who WANT to wear Aces' colours, and who want to win trophies for the Aces.

Roger, Exiled In Holmfirth (19/12/2006 at 12:32)

Crump is athe consummate pro. That is why he is world champion and there would be nothing half hearted about his efforts for us if he re- signs. I still think that our prospects could hinge on Bjerre, a rider with the ability to add at least two points to his average.

CJ, Stockport (19/12/2006 at 12:36)

How can you say Crump will be half hearted?

If he doesn't score points he does'nt get paid..and the amount of money a point Crumpie commands it is beyond all doubt that he will be giving it his best!

ianh, urmston (19/12/2006 at 13:04)

Harry,got to dissagree,JC is the ultimate professional,100% everywhere he rides.did you ever see him ease off in a meet before a gp,i didnt.
i'd have him back any day.allthough i cant see it happening.
great news on SS and Kev.

mark mcgeever, GORTON (19/12/2006 at 17:56)

David gordon has been asking the riders do you want to ride for belle vue. when he asked crump he said no poole so why are we still trying to sign him if we only want riders that want to ride for us.

John, Reddish (20/12/2006 at 11:52)

There is no chance of Crumpy returning to BV. He would upset the balance of the team the management are trying to create. We would be too top heavy as we were last year and clearly it does not work. On the point that Crump is paid per point, this is not true - riders of that caliber are paid per match and get a bonus for maximum scores. Having watched crumpy ride all around the UK and world, he has never been half-hearted. He has the desire and will to win every race regardless of who he is up against.

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