BIRMINGHAM Brummies boss Laurence Rogers has admitted team building has been more complex than expected.
Rogers, who put the consortium together to save the Brummies in December, insists he will have all seven riders in place ready to meet the media at press and practice on Wednesday, March 23.
The Brummies boss is edging closer to the club’s new number one rider and hopes to have him in place in the next few days and has verbally agreed terms with a rider who will make his British debut subject to his visa coming through. The application is currently with the relevant authorities.
Rogers said: “I can totally understand fans frustrations but we will have the best team out there we possibly can.
“As we have repeatedly said we were at a disadvantage not knowing whether we would be racing until December when some Championship clubs had already got their seven riders in place.
“In fact, some finished their team as soon as last season had finished!
“I’ve burnt the candle at both ends talking to riders all over the world and we’ve had some setbacks when we thought riders were coming but then couldn’t or changed their mind.
“But I’m sure the seven riders we put out there on track will entertain and I’m particularly excited about the newcomer to British Speedway who we will announce in due course.
“This year the priority for this club is to pull in the crowds and give them value for money with an entertaining night out.
“It has to be a year of consolidation to stabilise the club before building for 2023.”
Rogers says track work is almost complete with huge investment in shale, the surface, drainage and a new air fence.
“The work that has gone in at Perry Barr is unbelievable and we must thank our excellent landlords for their co-operation and support.
“The owners have put significant funds into this and the aim is to provide the riders with the best surface possible to race and, in turn, entertain the fans.
“We’ve also made significant moves with our media arm and it’s important to have every aspect of the club as professional as possible.”
Brummies head to Leicester on Saturday, March 26 before launching the Perry Barr season on Wednesday, March 30 against Coventry.
Former Bees rider and current TV pundit Kelvin Tatum will be a guest on the night and will be signing copies of his two books at the track shop.
