Proctor staying on at Wolves

Hundreds of fans flocked to the Ramada Park Hall Hotel on Saturday night to see their heroes rewarded for their efforts in 2009.

But some of the biggest cheers came with the news that double-up rider Ty Proctor, who moved to number one at Premier League Redcar this season, will be back next year as a full-time Elite League rider.

Proctor, who flew back to his native Australia the following day, revealed that a deal has been sealed with club owner Chris Van Straaten.

He said: "I will be at Wolverhampton in 2010. I'm really excited about that, it's all done.

"When I came here two years ago and met Chris for the first time, I said to him that I wanted to do Premier League for two years and then I wanted to be here at Wolverhampton.

"I live here in the speedway season and there's great support. I don't want to be anywhere else."

The ambitious 22-year-old rode 102 meetings in England last season, but with the loss of his Redcar outings next year is looking for berths in Sweden and Poland as well.

He said: "I want to do as much as I can next year. I want to be one of the best riders in the world in the next few years. People might not think I will. But personally I think I will.

"Stepping up at Wolverhampton will be pretty cool. I look forward to it."

Fredrik Lindgren, who topped the Elite League averages by nearly half a point, won the rider of the year award through fan voting on the club website.

Fans also said farewell to club medical officer Dr Russ Brooks, who is retiring after 16 years. Each year Dr Brooks splits his payment from the club between its riders in ratio, depending on how many times they pass opposing riders at Monmore.

This time it was skipper Peter Karlsson who received the biggest cheque.

Rider of the Year: Fredrik Lindgren.

Young Rider of the Year: Tai Woffinden.

Most Entertaining Rider (Stephen and Paul Babb Trophy): Wolves team as a whole.