Wolves snap up teenage ace

Forward-thinking Elite League club Wolverhampton have added talented teenager Joe Haines to their impressive asset base.

Haines, 17, will spend 2008 on loan to Premier League Workington to continue his development along the same lines as Tai Woffinden, another 17-year-old, who will race again at Rye House next term.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have Joe on board and I'm pleased to see him get regular Premier League racing for a season at Workington," said promoter Chris Van Straaten.

"Naturally there were other clubs interested but he felt Wolverhampton was the right club for him and I think he was impressed by the direction we're going in with the youngsters.

"We're laying down the foundations for the next five-years here at Monmore Green and we firmly believe we are doing things right."

Haines is confident he has made the right decision to link up with the Parrys International Wolves – and he will enjoy support from the Sub-Species stable who also back British Grand Prix star Scott Nicholls.

He said: "I had several options on the table, but Wolverhampton has a reputation as one of the top clubs in the country and they are very professional in everything they do.

"I'm also impressed by what they're doing with the youngsters there, when you look at lads like Tai they seem to be showing a lot of ambition for the future.

"If I can get a good average with Workington then maybe I can look towards the Elite League in 2009, but whether I will or not remains to be seen. I will be giving my best for Workington."

Haines is hoping to be at Wolverhampton regularly next season to practice.