Ex-director thanks Heathens promoters
A former director of the Cradley Heathens speedway team has thanked the outgoing promoters for keeping the club going for the last decade.
It was announced last month the Heathens, homeless since 1995, would not be riding next season after the outgoing team behind the scenes of Nigel Pearson, Gary Patchett, Chris van Straaten and Will Pottinger decided to call it a day.
Tim Rowe – a director of a previous incarnation of the club from 1995 until 2004 – praised their efforts
Writing to the Express & Star, Rowe said: “It is indeed a great shame that the Heathens will not be racing next year.
“Nigel Pearson tells me that it is 10 years ago that the current small group decided to build a new team for the National League and how by their joint endeavours they achieved such a lot.
“We owe them so much for all their hard work and commitment over that long period.
“So to Nigel Pearson, Gary Patchett, Chris van Straaten and Will Pottinger, we thank you for your splendid effort and perseverance, it will be long remembered.”
The Heathens had spent the past decade riding at Wolverhampton’s Monmore Green and, briefly, at Birmingham’s Perry Barr.
However, with no hope of a new home on the horizon, the promotion finally conceded defeat.
Van Straaten said at the time: “There is no future at this moment.
“I can say as a team, including Gary Patchett and Nigel Pearson, we would not stand in the way of any future individual or group using the Heathens name should they be successful in finding suitable land.
“In fact, we would offer any help possible with advice on how to run a professional speedway club in these challenging times.
“We have been proud custodians of this wonderful club but readily acknowledge we have failed in the ultimate aim of a new track in the area.”
