BELLE Vue have landed the massive coup of signing double world champion, Jason Crump, to spearhead their assault on speedway's major prizes next year.

The shock return of the 32-year-old Australian superstar, who left the Aces last year to join Poole, can be likened in speedway terms to Manchester United signing Wayne Rooney.

Crump, who rode for the Manchester club for five years from 2002, was excluded from the deal when the current bosses bought the club from Tony Mole last Christmas and the Midland businessman then sold him on to Poole.

The Aces were unable to bring in a No 1 rider at short notice to replace him and had a dismal season but moved in swiftly when they discovered he was available.

The return of Crump, one of most consistent speedway riders on the planet, is a huge boost. Supporters had been getting fractious over the lack of signing news, but the promoters promised action and they have delivered in a way which will shock speedway.

Crump jetted home for a family winter break in Australia just ten minutes after agreeing a deal to return to the Aces.

He said: "I had some very happy years at Belle Vue, during which I won the world title twice, and I'm very happy to be coming back to the club.

"I watched their results last season and was sad to see them struggling.

Agreement

"The promoters have changed since I left but they have been very business-like to deal with. It wasn't hard to reach an agreement and I was delighted to get it sorted out before I left for Australia. It was good to have everything settled.

"I won't be racing in Australia this winter. Instead, I'll have a good break and concentrate on sorting out the knee problem I had at the end of the season.

"I want to be fully fit when I come back in February so I can give the Aces 100 per cent as well as making a challenge to get the world title back."

Crump won it in 2004 and 2006 during his spell at Belle Vue and is determined to wrest it back from Denmark's Nicki Pedersen.

Aces' chief David Gordon, who had no chance to get into the transfer market after completing the takeover of the club, is thrilled with the signing.

The loan agreement with Poole was completed with a handshake between financial director Gordon Pairman and Poole's Matt Ford after a 30-second conversation during a session at this weekend's annual meeting of the Promoters' Association.

Supremo Gordon said: "We promised fans we wouldn't have another season like the one just finished and hopefully this shows we mean business.

"Jason contacted us to say he would be interested in coming back. It was a surprise to say the least. He just said he would sign for us and a deal was done quickly in the course of two further phone calls with myself and Chris Morton.

"We had no animosity towards him over leaving last season. The situation was out of our hands when we took over the club but he still came and explained what was happening which we appreciated.

"Jason is a great rider to have in your side, not just for hispoints-scoring ability, but because he is such a good team man.

"He is a consummate professional and is always prepared to share his experience and knowledge with younger members of the team.

Crump will ride on loan from Poole next season but the Aces have an option to buy him in 2009.

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