Drury: Werner retirement is a blow

May 9 2007 By Mike Berry, Birmingham Mail

BRUMMIES boss Graham Drury says he is saddened by Brent Werner's decision to retire from speedway.

Drury, who first brought the Californian over from the States in 1995 when he was in charge of Long Eaton, said: "We have to respect Brent's decision, but it's a blow for us as a club.

"He called me Sunday and told me he had done a lot of thinking and that his heart is no longer in the sport.

"He told me he wasn't enjoying it, he wasn't looking forward to coming to meetings and the time was right to call it a day. I tried to talk him out of it, but his mind was made up.

"I feel sad. At the start of the season it was a great new challenge for Brent, a new club local to where he lives and with great support. He seemed up for it.

"I know he said at the end of last season he didn't care whether he raced again, but the move to Birmingham seemed to reignite his enthusiasm. Here we are, two months into the season and he's packing it in."

Drury now has to try and find a replacement for Werner, though he will get a 28-day guest facility for the American while he mulls over his options.