Graham Drury set to unveil signing
Sep 17 2008 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail
BIRMINGHAM boss Graham Drury is set to unveil his first signing for next season within the next few weeks.
And the tough-talking Welshman admits his current crop of riders are racing for their futures with the club – starting tonight against the Isle of Wight at Perry Barr (7.45pm).
“We have our end-of-season presentation night on November 1,” said Drury, “and I intend to make an announcement that night about our first, and possibly second, signing for next season.
“There is nothing to report at the moment, but I have my own thoughts on who I would like to see included in my team and all the boys have the chance to give me food for thought over the next few weeks.
“We’re weak at the minute because of the absence of Kyle Legault through injury and we have to carry on and do our best.
“I’ll be looking for a good, positive performance tonight because the Isle of Wight have a good combination of youth and experience.
‘‘Stojanowski will end up at a higher level and so will the Australian boy at reserve, Richard Sweetman, who rode for Swindon in the Elite League recently.
“But as far as I am concerned I have a blank sheet of paper for our team plans regarding next season and I intend to put at least one name on that sheet within the next six weeks.
‘‘It’s over to the lads to show me how much they want it.
“Naturally, lads like Adam Roynon and Kyle Legault were brought in to do a job and win us the league and promotion to the Elite League.
‘‘It’s a cruel sport sometimes and it remains to be seen whether Adam and/or Kyle return to Perry Barr next season.
“Once again I pledge to do my very best in the interests of Birmingham Speedway. I would love to have seen our original starting line-up with Roynon, Legault and Morris see the season out. I have no doubt we would have been challenging for the top honours.”
Roynon could be back on a bike before Christmas as he makes progress with his leg injury. Legault has a broken jaw and Morris is set for more surgery on his shoulder.
BIRMINGHAM: Tomasz Piszcz, Kyle Legault R/R, Jason Lyons, James Birkinshaw, Craig Watson, Jay Herne, Ben Taylor.
ISLE OF WIGHT: Jason Bunyan, Cory Gathercole, Krzysztof Stojanowski, Paul Fry, Glen Philips, Andrew Bargh, Richard Sweetman.
