Joe Screen signs unique 11-game deal with Wolverhampton

Dec 15 2009 by Nigel Pearson, Birmingham Mail

WOLVERHAMPTON have struck a unique deal with vastly experienced Great Britain star Joe Screen.

The former Belle Vue and Poole man, 37, has signed a short-term contract to act as cover for his close friend Adam Skornicki, who could be out until June with a knee injury.

The Chesterfield-born rider, who was within an hour of signing for the Monmore Green club 16 years ago, will only do 11 league meetings – and that means his average will stay the same whatever his performances as a new figure applies after 12.

It’s a clause in the contract inserted at Screen’s own suggestion after openly admitting within the past fortnight that he wanted to drop into the Premier League but his average was marginally too high.

“I’ve got over the Premier League thing,” said Screen. “It couldn’t happen and I’ve moved on. I want to race for another three or four seasons and enjoy my speedway and I can still do that in the Elite League with Wolves.

“I had to do something to underline to people what I want to do. My average will stay the same with Wolves whatever I achieve, good or bad, so it’s in my own interests to go out there and do my very best for the club.

“I intend to give the club a dilemma when it comes to a longer-term situation. I intend to do enough during my time with them to stay for the rest of the season.

“That’s my challenge for the new season. I’m not interested in Premier League, that’s all gone from my mind now and I want to score well at Wolves so when the time comes for Adam to return from injury I can stay and someone else would have to go who is not riding as well.”

Screen was within an hour of joining Wolverhampton when he left Belle Vue for Bradford at the end of the 1993 season – ironically after winning the league title at Monmore Green with the Aces.

Parrys International Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten said: “I have always had the highest regard for Joe and it’s ironic that he joins us now at the age of 37.

“He ruined my Christmas 16 years ago because I was on the way to meet him to sign the contract for us – then he informed me he had decided to go to Bradford. I’ve forgiven him, though, and I feel sure he can do a great job as cover for Adam.”