Tom happy to sign back on at Devils
The Armadale Devils have confirmed their second returning star for the 2022 National League Development campaign as Tom Woolley has committed his future to the club.
Woolley became a firm fans’ favourite at Armadale Stadium last season with an ever-present record and an average just below 8.00, as well as being a vital experienced head in an otherwise young side.
He joins Danny Phillips in signing on for a second season with the club – who made their return to the sport last season following a 15-year hiatus.
Woolley admits it was an easy decision to return to West Lothian and hopes to improve on last year’s form.
He said: “I really enjoyed being with the Devils last year, everybody around the place is so welcoming.
“Such a friendly atmosphere from management to fans and everyone. I really enjoyed my year. So I was keen to stay this year.”
Reflecting on last season’s form – both individually and collectively – he added: “I started the year off quite well, then I went through a bit of a lull for a few meetings which hindered a few things, but it started to come back towards the end of the season.
“So I need to find a bit more consistency and have a solid year all the way through and not just the start and end, or just through the middle.”
He added: “I try my hardest. Anything I do know I will pass on to the younger riders if they ask. I try to advise.
“I think the team bonded well last year. There was a good atmosphere and I don’t think anyone found it hard to ask questions. Everybody gelled and nobody was shy in coming forward.
“I think you could see improvement in all the younger guys last year, especially Gregor (Millar) who came on leaps and bounds.
“George (Rothery) is such a good rider, he just needs to learn how to keep control for four laps – he doesn’t need to win it all in the first one or two corners.
“He certainly has potential, and potential is there with the team.
“Although we finished fifth last year, if we had won that last away match against Kent that would have meant we would have finished third.
“I think that’s quite respectable
when people were writing us off at the start of the season. I’m quietly confident that we can build on what we did last season.”
Meanwhile, the Devils’ fixtures
for the 2022 campaign have been released. They start their National Development League season at home to Berwick on Friday, April 8 (7.30pm start) with the return trip taking place eight days later. The side have at least one home fixture scheduled every month, with the final meeting of the year being at home to Leicester on September 23.