King's Lynn Stars co-promoter predicts 'exciting' times in 2020
King’s Lynn co-promoter Dale Allitt believes these are “exciting” times for the club going into 2020 as the Stars step up preparations for next year in the Premiership.
He spoke of “upheaval” at the speedway outfit – for example, Allitt himself was struck down by a brain illness and Peter Schroeck had to step in as team manager at the beginning of the 2019 campaign – but now there is more “positivity”.
The Adrian Flux Arena club have so far announced five of their one-to-seven for next term: Norfolk riders Lewis Kerr and skipper Robert Lambert, popular Dane Thomas Jorgensen, former world longtrack champion Erik Riss and ex-Lynn vice-captain Ty Proctor.
The final two pieces in the jigsaw are due to be named by the end of January, with one expected to be confirmed on Friday.
Allitt said there were extenuating circumstances: these included his own situation; meanwhile, Stars owner Keith Chapman had BSPA chairmanship commitments.
Now Chapman’s term is at an end, it should free-up the club chief to concentrate on Saddlebow stadium matters.
Allitt commented: “This year’s team in 2019 wasn’t a bad team.
“Circumstances that everyone’s aware of dictated there was an awful lot of upheaval in the team and at the club and that’s a massive factor.
“I think none of us really understood the amount of upheaval the club had at the time it was going on. We made the best of that situation. That was a big issue for us – obviously myself included.
“Hopefully the club going forward will be stable. I think there’s certainly a lot more positivity, even now, than there perhaps was going into 2019. I believe it is an exciting time for the club.”
He added of this forthcoming season’s team-building process: "It's never simple. I think people think you pick the phone up, talk to a rider and ten minutes later you've done a deal.
“That's not the case! Some riders are easier than others; sometimes there are lots of details to work out, with people's contracts and things. You’re forever working with a points limit, as well.
“In all honesty, was it as easy as last year? Probably more difficult this year, I believe, for various different reasons, nothing specific.
“The temptation is to give into whatever anybody wants – but that’s not always possible, as you’ve got to balance the books, at the end of day.
“All that said and done, we’re not the only team in that position, certainly.
“You put everything into that mix and you end up with what you think is the best you can do and a team that can challenge, be good at home and entertain.
“We know we need to pick up a few more points away.”
