Nigel Pearson's Track Talk - April 6

Howarth, who was part of the Great Britain World Cup squad last summer, has to be one of the top reserves in the Elite League and a real coup for the Monmore men to land him in that position.

He's made a great start to the season both with Wolverhampton and his Premier League club Sheffield.

In addition, he also has the benefit of Elite League experience with Poole, Swindon and Coventry.

If any of the Parrys International Wolves are lacking, Howarth could cover quite nicely on most tracks.

Meanwhile, spare a thought for Wolverhampton owner Chris Van Straaten who was in a state of despair when pulling the plug on Monday's mouth-watering clash with Swindon at Monmore.

Not only is it a major blow to any club's cash flow, but the timing of the torrential downpour on Monday just rubbed salt into the wounds.

A late postponement at any track means financial disaster – rider travel, track preparation, programme printing, stadium rent and catering all washed away but still need to be paid for.

So when I saw Swindon's No 1 Jason Doyle having a pop at the club on social media for the late postponement because he had a wasted three-hour journey, I thought it was bang out of order.

I like Jason, but for riders to do that on Twitter is poor in my view. True, he had a wasted three-hour journey, but the bigger picture here is a heavy financial loss for one of the sport's most famous clubs.

Chris studies different weather forecasts and, after a mainly dry, day the heavens opened.

It was cruel to say the least – and the last thing he needed was a star rider having a go on a social network basis which the general public could see.

And, finally, Cradley are back on track next Monday when we face Rye House at Monmore.

While I'm taking more of a back-seat role this year because of my other business interests – the ones which actually pay the bills – I'm so happy with the response from the fans.

The ultimate aim, naturally, is to continue the search for a new home track closer to the Dudley-Sandwell area.

We will continue to explore every avenue, but even in Cradley Heath itself I notice houses are about to be built on derelict land at Saltwells.

We have never promised a new track, we have only vowed to do our best.

All three of the management team are happy we have done what we can and will continue to do so, with the help of others who are prepared to help.

But, for now, it's back to Monmore for Monday night. See you there – yes, I might actually make this one!