Belle Vue’s dynamic duo welcomed back into fold by Colts boss

THE Belle Vue Colts have handed both Andy Mellish and Rob Shuttleworth a well-earned return to Manchester for their 2017 campaign, where they will join team-mates Dan Bewley and Jack Smith.

The pair featured prominently in the septet that came so close to qualifying for last year’s end-of-season play offs, and each is highly determined to put in the hours to go one better this season.

Mellish was delighted to take his place in Belle Vue’s National League side in 2016 – after spending a period of time with them in the MDL – fulfilling a lifelong dream to represent his boyhood club.

But a nasty crash during the team’s home bout with Eastbourne in May temporarily put the 2012 British Grasstrack Champion on the sidelines.

He returned to the National Speedway Stadium 12 weeks later after making a full recovery and went on to complete the season a firm favourite with the fans and his team-mates.

Rob Shuttleworth was frequently referred to as the ‘engine room’ of the side during the Colts’ 2016 campaign and will no doubt be determined to build on his experiences going into the new year.

The 23-year old has made no secret of his desire to return to the National Speedway Stadium for Belle Vue, while at the same time Workington have also handed him his full championship debut.

Team manager Graham Goodwin has worked extensively with the two riders for much of their speedway careers and is delighted to see both back in the National League saddle for his side.

He said: “Myself and Steve [Williams] have worked extensively with both Andy and Rob pretty much since they first turned their hand to speedway and we’re happy to have them back this year.

“Andy is one of the best riders to work with.

“He has a deep connection to Belle Vue through his late father, Stuart.

“Rob is another who encompasses the vision we hold about a Colts team.”