Elite League
Belle Vue Speedway: Gjedde, Hougaard and Wright back to Kirkmanshulme Lane.
By Admin
Dec 7, 2009, 10:32

Belle Vue have agreed deals bring Charlie Gjedde, Patrick Hougaard and James Wright back to Kirkmanshulme Lane next season.

Club bosses have been busy chasing up various options since landing their new No 1, Hans Andersen, who will be teaming up with fellow Danes Gjedde and Hougaard.

Gjedde was forced to end his 2009 season in July because of a serious shoulder injury which has required major surgery. His recovery programme is ahead of schedule.

Danish Under-21 champion Hougaard has also accepted an offer to re-sign after coming through a tough first season in British speedway with flying colours.

Wright will continue to ride on loan from Birmingham because he wants to race at the top level rather than drop down a rung into the Premier League..

Andersen, Gjedde, Hougaard and Wright have a combined average of 25.11 points which leaves the club with 15.84 for the remaining three members of the team.

Aces' supremo David Gordon said: “We are thrilled to have reached agreement with Gjedde and Hougaard, who are both Belle Vue assets, as well as Wright.

“All three of them were delighted to hear we had signed Andersen and are looking forwards very much to riding alongside him. We are sure the development of young riders like Hougaard and Wright will benefit greatly from riding in the same team as Denmark's World Cup captain.

“All three riders will start next season with five-point averages and we feel confident they will be able to lift their figures substantially.

“Meanwhile, we have irons in the fire for another rider of heat leader status and, when that is sorted out, we will be able to move on to complete the team.”

Gjedde and Hougaard will sign their contracts at St Cuthbert's College, in St Helens, on December 16 at a special function to mark the outstanding community project Steve Casey and Ged Blake have been running over there.

Team manager Chris Morton said: “We've had a great response to our efforts to spread the name of the club. Projects like this are so important to our future and we have been told that the kids involved have benefited greatly from our involvement.

“Ged and Steve have given up a lot of their time both here and elsewhere. They deserve a lot of credit for what they are doing for Belle Vue speedway.”

There will be no increase in turnstile admission prices next season while programmes will go up by 50p to £2.50.


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