Schlein’s decision to leave the Aces for Coventry in 2005 wasn’t well received but he came back on loan this year. It was almost like the return of the prodigal son and now Aces fans are hoping fervently he’ll be back as the club’s No 1 in 2012.
The Autogate Aces signed Schlein and Britain’s World Cup captain Chris Harris, who were both contracted Coventry riders, and Harris has announced already that he’s going back next year.
Schlein, however, has signalled his interest in going forward with the club into their new stadium, but first bosses David Gordon and Chris Morton need to discuss the situation with Coventry.
It had been hoped that Harris would lead the challenge for silverware but it was Schlein who proved the inspiration, lifting his average from six to eight to finish No 6 in the Elite League listings while Harris, cursed by mechanical problems, saw his figure drop from just over eight to just under.
The pair are mates but it didn’t stop Schlein revelling in taking over the No 1 slot in September. His commitment, the consistency of his scoring, his ability to win races from the back and willingness to help younger riders all served to make him top dog.
Team manager Jim Lynch said: “Rory had a brilliant season and is now one of the best in the league, as shown by his No 1 position at Belle Vue.
“He thoroughly deserved his great end-of-season victory in the Elite League Riders’ Championship at Swindon.”
Schlein’s efforts weren’t enough to help the Aces achieve their primary target of a top four finish which would have earned them a place in the title play-offs but they did make the Knockout Cup final where they lost to champions Poole.
They missed the play-offs by just six points, a small number when it is considered they dropped nearly 20 at home. Part of that was due to Harris having what he called a ‘horrible season’ due to ongoing problems with the new silencers.
But Lynch also took a long, hard look at the season-long problem of filling the No 7 reserve slot, where so many matches are won or lost, and it’s an area to which he will give special attention when he builds his new side.
Clubs cannot make any serious transfer moves until the Promoters’ Association sets the points limit on team strengths at its annual meeting next month. Lynch will be hoping to avoid the procession of four Polish riders who moved in and out during the season. Tomasz Piszcz, Dawid Stachyra, Borys Miturski – who never actually rode for the club after signing – and Lukasz Jankowski were all tried.
Lynch added: “A lot has been said about Chris Harris already but, in my opinion, he is a gentleman, a great rider, and a better captain than he is given credit for.
“Our downfall at home was largely due to a never ending problem with the No 7 spot and it was too late by the time we solved it.
“Charlie Gjedde rode as well as at any time in his career. Patrick Hougaard didn’t come on as much as I expected but he had a mixture of injuries and bad luck.
“Ricky Kling was something of an enigma and Craig Cook had good and bad meetings. But there is a very good rider there.”
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Signing Rory should definitely be our number one priority for next season. I'd also welcome Kasper back as our second heat leader. Leaving the Aces certainly didn't work out for him, but he is a proven performer around Kirky Lane and I would expect him to revel at the new "Polish inspired" track.
Charlie cetainly deserves to be back, but perhaps Patrick would benefit from a season away on loan from a track that just doesn't suit his style. Verdict's out on Cook for me - at times he can look brilliant but too often, especially away from home, can look woeful. Kling rode better towards the end of the season, but he's not really a racer in my book and should be replaced by Josh Auty, who appears to want to ride for the Aces.
If there is still going to be doubling up, then it would be great to have James Wright and Mr. Belle Vue, Lyonsy, sharing the spot, assuming that Jason successfully overcomes his injury.
2011 was enjoyable - hopefully 2012 will be our year.