Speedway:
Bees’ chief apologises for form

BEES’ promoter Mick Horton has issued an apology to supporters for recent performances and has confirmed he is already planning for the future.

Defeat at Belle Vue on Monday came as a bitter disappointment to Horton and team manager Gary Havelock.

Both have been left bemused at the club’s terrible away form which currently stands at ten losses in 11 meetings this season and Horton has not ruled out the possibility of making changes before the end of the current campaign should riders be available.

“First of all I want to say the recent performances, especially away from home, have been totally unacceptable,” said Horton.

“Neither team manager Gary (Havelock) nor myself are happy at all and, although the riders are trying their hardest, the performances just have not been good enough and we apologise to supporters for this.

“As we speak, we are looking around to see if we can make any worthwhile changes to the team, to bring in riders with a view to next season.

“It is difficult because rider availability is very limited, but if we can do something we will.”

Despite the club’s poor run of form, which leaves them currently sitting seventh in the Elite League table, Horton has stressed the club is financially secure for the future.

He confirmed: “I also must stress that the financial security of the club is the utmost priority.

“Several clubs are finding times very difficult at the present time, but Coventry does have a sound base.

“For that, we are very grateful to the fans who have turned out on a regular basis and given us some excellent attendances at our home matches. Things will come right and I urge everyone to continue their great support.

“There is a lot to think about at the moment looking forward and obviously it’s possible that we may need to go back to, or close to, the drawing board when we look at 2014.”

Horton has also confirmed this week that Ben Barker remains an asset of the club despite interest from rivals Birmingham.

Barker’s full transfer had been agreed between the two clubs after a winter of wrangling over which team he would represent this year but the transfer was not completed and his registration therefore reverts to the Bees, although he will remain with the Brummies until the end of the season.

Horton added: “It’s very disappointing that Birmingham have been unable to fulfil their financial obligations regarding the Ben Barker transfer and Ben therefore reverts back to being a Coventry asset with immediate effect.

“We wish him well for the remainder of the season and we will then review the situation as to his Elite League future at the end of the current campaign.”

Bees are next in action at King’s Lynn on Wednesday but prior to that the two clubs lock horns in the National League at Brandon this Friday.

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