Jason Crump, World champion twice in the last four years, has agreed a new deal which will keep him at Belle Vue until the end of the 2009 season.

And the club have agreed a five-figure transfer fee with Elite League rivals, Poole, to re-sign Crump as a fully contracted Belle Vue rider.
The club, with the backing of sponsors The Advanced Travel Partner, have shaken hands with the 32-year-old Australian on a 12-month extension of his current contract which was due to end in October this year.

He rode for the Aces for five seasons, winning his two World crowns in 2004 and 2006, before he felt he needed a change and joined Poole last year. The club were quick to sign him back on loan when he became available in the winter and now they have taken the final step of bringing him home on a permanent basis.

The deal has been smoothed by the backing of ATP, the international travel group who have their North West operations centre in Sharston, Manchester. David Gordon, the Aces managing director, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have secured the services of a World star, especially as Jason is a full Belle Vue man once again.

"He is one of five riders to have won the World title for Belle Vue and we feel this is where he belongs. We are sure our fans will be delighted as we are. I know he has great faith in the plans we have for the future development of the Aces and he wants to work with us to make them succeed.

"We are very ambitious for this club and Jason is very much a rider who is driven by ambition. He is never afraid to speak his mind but we appreciate that because we pride ourselves on being a management who will listen.

"His return to the club on a permanent basis gives us a focal point around which to build and we are grateful to ATP for their support in doing this deal. I know that Jason's image as a top international sportsman is very much in keeping with what they want."

Crump said: "I'm delighted to be settled at Belle Vue until the end of next season. It's where I want to be and it gives me a level of stability which is difficult to achieve in speedway.

"This is a big commitment on Belle Vue's part and I'm glad they wanted to do it. I suggested a few weeks ago that I wanted to do this and they went out and got it done.

"It is a significant deal which we were talking about before ATP became involved. But when they said they wanted to help Belle Vue keep me until the end of next season it was the last piece in the puzzle and everything was done in 15 minutes."

Ian Sinderson, the ATP Group Finance Director, said: "We are delighted that our long-term sponsorship deal has helped facilitate Jason's return as a Belle Vue asset. It shows that all involved are committed to making the Aces a top Elite Club once again.

"Speedway fits our sports travel portfolio really well, and are very happy to have Jason on board with us."