Cradley Heathens back in Wolverhampton: Bosses hail deal to secure speedway club's future

Cradley Heathens will race at Monmore Green Stadium next season, sharing the ground with Wolverhampton Wolves.

Doubt had been cast over the future of the speedway team after chairman Nigel Pearson and club partners Chris Van Straaten and Gary Patchett announced their intention to bow out ahead of the 2016 season.

But an undisclosed financial contribution from a former track doctor has allowed the deal to be reached and the management trio has agreed to stay on at the club.

Mr Pearson, said: "The way the Elite League works there are just 14 matches for Wolverhampton now.

"It quickly became apparent that it would be possible for this to happen and I would like to thank everyone at the club who has helped make it a reality.

"Once it was obvious we were able to go back we put all thought of selling on hold."

On hearing the Heathens may be forced to fold, Rod Brooks, a former doctor at Monmore Green Stadium, contacted the management trio offering his help. He now joins the club as a partner.

The Heathens - revived in 2010 after 15 years out of league speedway - will race on alternate weeks to the Wolverhampton Wolves, who race in a different league.

Dr Brooks will work to promote the Dudley Stroke Association, the club's new official charity.

He said: "I was very keen to see Cradley continue, there is no denying the passion of the supporters, and I believe track sharing at Monmore works well as they are in a different league to Wolverhampton."

Since its revival in 2010 the Heathens have been searching for a permanent home, having previously spent four years at Monmore Green between 2011 and 2014. Last year the club raced in Perry Barr.

Plans to use land next to the M5 close to Junction 3 and a site near Merry Hill shopping centre as a new long-term base both fell through

From 2016 the team will be managed by Mr Patchett and manager Will Pottinger, with coach Graham Jones staying on at the club.

Mr Patchett, said: "We would like to thank Ladbrokes for their co-operation in bringing the Heathens back to Monmore – and to Chris Van Straaten at Wolverhampton Speedway for making it happen.

"Also to Dr Brooks for his support and the good people at Dudley Stroke Association, we offer our sincere thanks."

Mr Pearson said the deal with Wolverhampton would operate on a 'year by year' basis and the search for a permanent home would continue.