Dream Team : Simon Stanley

Simon Stanley has selected his all-time Long Eaton Invaders side.

Dave Perks
He was Mr Long Eaton speedway, used to ride the white line for 4 laps.

Mark Fiora
Rode for only one season with Long Eaton, but during that season he was a true leader, rode for Middlesbrough as well.

Glen Doyle
Another Aussie, came in as junior on a 2 point average and within months he was a heatleader. Later moved to Bradford.

Jan Staechmann
He was the first Long Eaton rider to win the division two riders championship. Just missed out the following year also.

Rick Hellsen
I can remember him beating Jason Crump at Long Eaton when Rick was in his 40s, Jason was only 16. The whole crowd went wild, anyone would have thought we had won the league.

Steve Johnston
Lost his team place at Sheffield, like Doyle within months he was a heatleader and the crowd loved him, always had a laugh with him in the bar after a meeting. He loved Newcastle Brown.

Carl Blackbird
Couldn't leave him out the team, he was a poor gater but came from the back many times to win - a true racer.

A few more names could have made the team - Keith White, Carl Stonehewer, Gerald Short, Paul Stead, David Blackburn and Martin Dixon.

This article was first published on 31st December 2004