Bears sitting tight
Redcar have issued a “don’t panic” call despite failing to lure a former England international to Teesside as part of their team rebuilding for the 2021 season.;
Promoter Jitendra Duffill has been in discussion with Lewis Bridger since the 31-year old hospital security guard announced his comeback after over three years away from the sport.
Bridger is lining with King’s Lynn in the top tier Premiership but Duffill was hopeful he might agree to double up with the Agilia Bears in the Championship as part of a move to replace German star Erik Riss.
The Bears quickly snapped up promising youngster Anders Rowe and Bridger was seen as the perfect compliment to Bridger, when relative novice Joe Lawlor was also released.
Last week Duffill hinted that he had a rider with a fine pedigree lined up, while warning that the 2009 British Under-21 Champion, who is based on the south coast, was “only 50-50” about coming north.
“I think the travelling was a major factor,” continued Duffill.
“But Lewis has a family and a good job and I think he didn’t want to take on too much too soon.
Bridger appeared in six British Finals and three World Under-21 finals but his talent was seen by many as never fully flourishing and the ex-Eastbourne and Lakeside rider retired after a mixed season with Berwick in 2017.
Duffill continued:
“Lewis was great to deal with and always up front – he never made any promises but said he needed time to think things over.
“Being based in Sussex, coming to Redcar would have meant a lot of time from home and his family.
“We have 6.60 points remining for our final rider. A rider on that average or similar would become our 3rd heat leader, but the search for somebody of this ability, who is also willing to commit to racing speedway in the UK in 2021 has proved difficult so far.”
“We would like to bring in a new asset, as this is now looking to be our best option, but riders are understandably nervous about travelling due to Covid restrictions at the moment. So we have decided to sit tight for now and see what developments occur over the next few weeks.”
The promotion are confident their options can only improve, as currently the best option would bring the team in 2 points under the limit. Duffill adds “That would mean a season of struggle and we are too ambitious to settle for that when there are still 3 months until our first scheduled fixture.”
Story credit: GazetteLive
