Post by schumi on Nov 22, 2008 10:31:38 GMT
Berwick Bandits new bosses have made their first signing for the 2009 season, and it could well prove to be their most shrewd of their inaugural season in charge.
Coming in to the new set up to lead the Bandits’ at the front line is the vastly experienced former SCB referee, former promoter and team manager at the Hull Vikings and clerk of the course at Redcar, Dave Peet.
New Berwick promoter, John Anderson of Andersons’ Quality Butchers said: “When we realised Dave was available to join us as team manager we had no hesitation in agreeing to him joining us.
“He has exactly what we and the Bandits need right now and that’s a deep understanding of how speedway works and what we need to look out for and both myself and my consortium partner, Lynda recognised his massive experience and just how valuable that will be for us.
“It is no secret that we’re riding up a very steep learning curve at the moment and it would be fair to say we feel a little bombarded with everything, but Dave has already put a stack of it into proportion for us as it seems a lot clearer now.
“Dave has some excellent ideas and plans for the 2009 season and his thoughts will only make our first year at Shielfield Park so much more rewarding. His enthusiasm matches ours too, so we’re all pulling in the same direction to improve every aspect of a Saturday night’s entertainment. I hope supporters will see the differences from the very first meeting.”
Peet sees his role as going deeper than just managing the Bandits on race nights and said: “Berwick is a track I’ve always had a warm spot for. The place is great as are the supporters and I’ve always enjoyed my visits to the town.
“Having spoken to John and Lynda it’s obvious they have the Bandits deep in their hearts but also realise there’s a lot of ground work to get through between now and opening night, and I could not be happier to be here to help and assist.
“One aspect of Berwick Speedway I really need to expand is second halves and the promotion of local junior talent who will be welcome to race in structured events every Saturday night with no charge to the rider, with heats and finals with points accumulating through the season to the end when the top points scorer will be presented with a Bandits’ second half championship trophy.
“These kids need more opportunity to race and get practice, and whilst I’m fully aware of the 9.30pm curfew, we will guarantee making the most of all available time so we can bring the youngsters on from the Borders and maybe get a top-line home grown Bandit in seasons to come.
“We want to get a “Meet the Fans” night organised as soon as possible in the area so John, Lynda and myself can take part in a question and answer session with supporters and get the ice-breaking over and done with, then we can all get on and work for getting 2009 off the launch pad.”
Nearer to the start of the 1st meeting in March a season launch party will be taking place on Saturday, February 14th once again at the Corn Exchange in Haddington.
Promoter Anderson went on: “I know the venue is about 40 miles from Berwick, but we’ve had two excellent events there in the past, and as yet I’m not fully aware of the best places to hold such events nearer Berwick, although I’m learning fast.
“The popular Roadhouse Band will play live for us once again and have gone down a storm with speedway fans every time we’ve booked them so Valentine’s night next years is sure to be one to remember.
“Lynda is dealing with the ticketing for the event and we will be announcing all the details in the next 10 days for fans to get and plan a good night out.”
www.berwickspeedway.co.uk
Coming in to the new set up to lead the Bandits’ at the front line is the vastly experienced former SCB referee, former promoter and team manager at the Hull Vikings and clerk of the course at Redcar, Dave Peet.
New Berwick promoter, John Anderson of Andersons’ Quality Butchers said: “When we realised Dave was available to join us as team manager we had no hesitation in agreeing to him joining us.
“He has exactly what we and the Bandits need right now and that’s a deep understanding of how speedway works and what we need to look out for and both myself and my consortium partner, Lynda recognised his massive experience and just how valuable that will be for us.
“It is no secret that we’re riding up a very steep learning curve at the moment and it would be fair to say we feel a little bombarded with everything, but Dave has already put a stack of it into proportion for us as it seems a lot clearer now.
“Dave has some excellent ideas and plans for the 2009 season and his thoughts will only make our first year at Shielfield Park so much more rewarding. His enthusiasm matches ours too, so we’re all pulling in the same direction to improve every aspect of a Saturday night’s entertainment. I hope supporters will see the differences from the very first meeting.”
Peet sees his role as going deeper than just managing the Bandits on race nights and said: “Berwick is a track I’ve always had a warm spot for. The place is great as are the supporters and I’ve always enjoyed my visits to the town.
“Having spoken to John and Lynda it’s obvious they have the Bandits deep in their hearts but also realise there’s a lot of ground work to get through between now and opening night, and I could not be happier to be here to help and assist.
“One aspect of Berwick Speedway I really need to expand is second halves and the promotion of local junior talent who will be welcome to race in structured events every Saturday night with no charge to the rider, with heats and finals with points accumulating through the season to the end when the top points scorer will be presented with a Bandits’ second half championship trophy.
“These kids need more opportunity to race and get practice, and whilst I’m fully aware of the 9.30pm curfew, we will guarantee making the most of all available time so we can bring the youngsters on from the Borders and maybe get a top-line home grown Bandit in seasons to come.
“We want to get a “Meet the Fans” night organised as soon as possible in the area so John, Lynda and myself can take part in a question and answer session with supporters and get the ice-breaking over and done with, then we can all get on and work for getting 2009 off the launch pad.”
Nearer to the start of the 1st meeting in March a season launch party will be taking place on Saturday, February 14th once again at the Corn Exchange in Haddington.
Promoter Anderson went on: “I know the venue is about 40 miles from Berwick, but we’ve had two excellent events there in the past, and as yet I’m not fully aware of the best places to hold such events nearer Berwick, although I’m learning fast.
“The popular Roadhouse Band will play live for us once again and have gone down a storm with speedway fans every time we’ve booked them so Valentine’s night next years is sure to be one to remember.
“Lynda is dealing with the ticketing for the event and we will be announcing all the details in the next 10 days for fans to get and plan a good night out.”
www.berwickspeedway.co.uk