Worrall back but Diamonds lose Lunna
FORMER No 1 Steve Worrall is returning to Newcastle Diamonds after co-promoters George English and Martin Phillips were stunned to receive a message from new signing Nike Lunna he had decided to take a break from the rigours of league racing in this country.
Worrall, on three successive occasions voted Diamond of the Year by supporters, had been due to line up for champions Workington Comets before they had to withdraw for financial reasons prior to this season’s SGB Championship campaign getting under way.
Flying Finn Lunna said: “After long consideration, I have come to a decision to step back from racing and give myself a chance to build something new into my life.
“I have had so many injuries and most of them are still giving me pain and slowing me down.
“Every time I go into something, I will give 100% but that is no longer possible, so it is time to have a break.”
Phillips said, “This was a massive blow to us but we thank Nike for his honesty and wish him well for the future - though it has left a big hole in our team.
“When George and I looked at possible replacements, we decided we would have to go down a different road and we have had to tell Victor Palovaara we cannot now use him in the forthcoming season.
“It was not a decision we took lightly but we felt it was necessary for the good of the club.
“It leaves us one rider short with our first match just three weeks away.
“However, I can assure our fans we are actively searching for the right man to complete our 2019 septet.”