Soundbites: 19th April 2004

Rickardsson	Thomas

"I have decided I was unable to give Poole 100 per cent and that was a situation I couldn't accept. It's a heartbreaking and emotional move for me. But this isn't goodbye. I would never agree to ride for any other British club. My feelings for Poole are stronger than ever. I just hope everyone will understand my decision."
Tony Rickardsson on his shock decision to quit British Speedway

"The sport in this country needs world class riders like Tony. In a lifetime of supporting and now promoting Poole speedway this is one of the saddest moments I have had to report. At the end of the day I am a Poole supporter first and foremost and I will be crying in my pillow tonight like everyone else."
Poole Promoter Matt Ford on Rickardsson's decision

"I'm in a quandary. Our crowd was disappointing and I wonder should I go out with all guns blazing and try and win the league and hope to increase the crowd. Of the riders who rode for us, I still have Matthew Wethers and Barry Campbell to choose from and I could have five good riders at the top of the team. I could have a great side but to go down that route would be expensive. Or do I maintain, what is my view, to bring on young riders and put them into the Premier League and beyond."
John Campbell the Dale Devils promoter

"I just can't believe how cruel we have been hit over the years with injuries. It's a massive blow because Aidan really was flying. He started the season with a 4.77 average and with some outstanding performances had taken that up to 7.63, which was heat leader potential. The problem is that although we can have a guest to replace Aidan as our top-scoring reserve, the rider can only come in up to his starting average and not the one he is riding to at the moment."
Ian Thomas reflects on the injury to Aidan Collins

"We've had good reports on Kristian's progress since he rode a few meetings for us last spring, and any tips from Charlie's time in the Premier League before Swindon stepped up this year can only help him. Despite our struggles so far this season, we're determined to keep the pressure off Kristian and let him settle down in our team."
George English on new signing Kristian Lund

"It looks as if it's going to be between Rye House, Exeter and ourselves for the two qualifying places from our group. So we have to pick up as many bonus points as possible from our remaining Trophy fixtures if we are going to progress to the semi-finals."
Reading manager Ivan Shears

"Peterborough was a huge part of my speedway life. I was around during the growth of the club as it became one of the best in Europe and their's is still the first result I look for. But the role with Belle Vue suits me down to the ground, it's great still to be involved with speedway but without the pressures I had at Peterborough."
Jim Lynch

This article was first published on 19th April 2004

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