Heathens' golden years celebrated

The golden years of the Cradley Heathens speedway team are celebrated in a new book which has just been released.

The team was dubbed the Manchester United of speedway during a trophy laden spell in the 1980s and early 1990s.

They folded in 1996, a year after the club's Dudley Wood home was sold for housing. A bid to build a new stadium on green belt land off Oldnall Road, Wollescote, is in the offing after 12 years of campaigning, with a planning application imminent. In the meantime old glories are highlighted in the book.

The pocket-sized history of defunct speedway tracks – Cradley Heath Special, is published by Speed-Away Promotions as part of its Defunct Tracks series.

Author Howard Jones released 30 special hardback editions with gold writing on the front cover. They sold out – but paperback copies are available at £14.99 each.

It features reviews of the Heathens most successful seasons and also profiles legendary riders including Bruce Penhall, Erik Gundersen and Jan O Pedersen.

Mr Jones has written six other speedway books. He said the Cradley book was a "pleasurable labour of love". He said: "The enjoyment factor came about because most of the Cradley greats are still alive."

Nearly 10,000 people have signed petitions backing a return. To order the book, send a cheque or postal order to Speed-Away Promotions, 19, Arundel Road, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 1AF. For details email oriolecy @btinternet.com and to sign the petition go to www.cradley speedway.co.uk