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Post by speedyguy on Nov 25, 2016 16:21:50 GMT
From the SGB website:: :::::: SHEFFIELD Speedway hero Simon Stead has announced his retirement after almost 20-years as a professional.
Stead, who won two league titles and numerous other trophies in two separate spells at Owlerton, says injuries have finally taken their toll.
He is the reigning Premier League Riders’ Champion and in 2014 he represented Great Britain in the Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup.
But the time is right to hang up his goggles and move on to the next challenge. He is set to stage a farewell meeting at the start of the 2018 season.
He said: “I’ve had some bad injuries down the years and it’s got harder and harder to motivate yourself to try and bounce back from them.
“I was unsure about coming back last season, but to be honest I thought I had some unfinished business and I wanted to go out on a high.
“For me to win the Premier League Riders’ Championship was everything I wanted in September. That made my decision even easier because it meant I didn’t retire because I was injured, I came back and proved I was still one of the fastest riders around Owlerton and won a national title for the club and myself.
"I'd like to thank all the Sheffield fans who have been so good to me."
Sheffield co-promoter Damien Bates said: “We fully understand Simon’s decision and wish him all the very best for the future.
“We hope to see him at Owlerton next season and I’m sure he has lots to offer the sport in a non-riding capacity.
“As a local lad, he has passion for this club and we congratulate him on a fine career.”Attachments:
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Post by speedyguy on Nov 28, 2016 9:37:44 GMT
From the SGB website: ::: SHEFFIELD have announced the appointment of former skipper Simon Stead as their new team manager.
Stead confirmed his retirement on Friday after a long line of injuries – but he will now take charge of the Tigers for their 2017 SGB Championship campaign.
Said Stead: “It’s sad to be retiring, but this gives me a new challenge. I’ve already helped lads like Josh Bates in the past and now I get the chance to work with the full team.
“I like the way the team is taking shape, we announced Josh Grajczonek on Friday and with Kyle Howarth and Josh back along with Lasse Bjerre and Jack Parkinson-Blackburn we have a good team.
“We’ve got two more places to fill later this week and we’re complete. It’s an exciting time for everyone at Sheffield Speedway.”
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2016 9:20:55 GMT
SHEFFIELD co-promoter Damien Bates believes they have found the perfect balance after completing their new-look side for the 2017 season.
Todd Kurtz and Robert Branford have both put pen to paper with the Window Centre Tigers to complete their SGB Championship septet.
Kurtz, 24, arrives on a 5.76 average and has also signed as a club asset from the BSPA after the financial issues experienced by former club Plymouth.
Former British Under 21 Champion Branford, meanwhile, joins from Rye House on a 4.60 average and will start the season alongside Jack Parkinson-Blackburn at reserve.
Bates believes Branford offers them plenty of strength in depth to complement the top order firepower provided by new No.1 Josh Grajczonek.
He is also backing Kurtz to make the most of a fresh start and demonstrate significant improvement in the engine room of the side.
“We’re delighted to complete our side with Todd and Robert,” Bates said.
“Having Rob (Branford) down at reserve gives us some strength, and that is something I really wanted when putting the side together.
“We have managed to get an out and out number one at the same time with Josh Grajczonek, and that’s something not many teams have managed to do.
“I like how we’ve balanced the team out, and I think in Robert we’re likely to have one of the strongest reserves in the whole league.
“Todd is also a fantastic rider. He’s had a tough couple of years with the well-documented problems at Plymouth, but we’re giving him a fresh start which I think will be good for him.
“We’ve also brought him from the BSPA, so we’re building our asset base which can only be a positive.
“He could quite easily put a point on his average as far as I’m concerned, so we’re pleased to have him on board.”Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Jan 31, 2017 15:05:20 GMT
From the Sheffield website: SHEFFIELD co-promoter Damien Bates insists it's business as usual at Owlerton - despite taking over Premiership club Leicester.
Bates has been unveiled as the shock new man in charge at Beaumont Park, keeping the Lions on track after a financial crisis last season threatened their future.
But Bates says he's just as excited about the Sheffield team as he is by his new challenge in the East Midlands.
"This is an exciting time," he said. "And in no way will this have any impact on my work at Sheffield.
"In fact, I'm looking at it to benefit Sheffield. Leicester is a purpose built speedway facility and will be available for my Sheffield riders to go along and practice as and when, it's great to have that facility.
"Sheffield is a very well run club now. I have good people working alongside me in Julie Reading, Pete Mole, Marc Bates and of course Eric Boocock and it's great to have Simon Stead on board as team manager.
"We are a management team at Sheffield and that's what has enabled me to take on Leicester. I'm looking forward to helping both clubs be winners this year!"
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Post by speedyguy on Feb 1, 2017 11:14:31 GMT
From the SGB/BSPA website: ::::::: SHEFFIELD co-promoter Damien Bates insists it's business as usual at Owlerton - despite taking over Premiership club Leicester.
Bates has been unveiled as the shock new man in charge at Beaumont Park, keeping the Lions on track after a financial crisis last season threatened their future.
But Bates says he's just as excited about the Sheffield team as he is by his new challenge in the East Midlands.
“This is an exciting time,” he said. “And in no way will this have any impact on my work at Sheffield.
“In fact, I'm looking at it to benefit Sheffield. Leicester is a purpose built speedway facility and will be available for my Sheffield riders to go along and practice as and when, it's great to have that facility.
“We are a management team at Sheffield and that's what has enabled me to take on Leicester. I'm looking forward to helping both clubs be winners this year!”
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