Kennett gives the Gladiators big boost
PLYMOUTH Gladiators have been given a huge boost ahead of the new season with star rider Edward Kennett performing a dramatic U-turn and confirming he will now ride for the club this summer, writes Stuart James.
Promotor Mark Phillips was quick to assemble a strong-looking team for the 2022 season, but those plans were thrown into disarray when Kennett announced he would be unable to ride after accepting a promotion at work.
The 25-year-old has now had a further change in his work circumstances, which means he can ride again, meaning the original septet will be in place for Tuesday’s opener against Poole Pirates at the Coliseum.
“From the moment we initially heard of Edward’s decision to put his work commitments, first and foremost, we completely understood his family and work priorities, but have kept in contact with him,” Phillips said.
“We have spoken to a number of experienced riders to try to fill the gap that he left at the top end of our team but, despite a number of riders being very keen to join us, problems with riders who are limited by Polish commitments and the clash with the Swedish League racing on a Tuesday night led to a number of frustrations.
“I was delighted when Edward got back in touch to confirm that, whilst he will remain in his existing job role with his long-term employers, Robins of Herstmonceux, who are his long,term sponsors and also great supporters and sponsors of the sport, his job promotion had been put on the back burner; allowing him to commit to riding for us for the 2022 season.
“Edward is very much a track specialist at Plymouth; and remains a very exciting and capable rider who has much to offer us and the sport in general.
“It is certainly a massive boost for us and with a very strong top four with Hans Andersen, Michael Palm Toft and Ben Barker, which we’d initially planned, plus three excellent prospects in Alfie Bowtell, Henry Atkins and Dan Gilkes.
“I’m more convinced than ever that we can be competing with anyone for the League and Cup Titles in 2022.
“We look forward to our next match. Tickets are online via the website (plymouth-speedway. com) and can be purchased at our cash turnstiles on the night.