Clegg: We can win with kids (From Halesowen News)

Clegg: We can win with kids

9:00am Thursday 14th March 2013 in Sport

MAX Clegg says the kids will be alright for Dudley Heathens this season.

Clegg, aged 15, will partner fellow school pupil Nathan Greaves in the important reserve slot for the former Cradley club — starting at Coventry in the Travel Plus Trophy next Friday March 22.

Heathens are expected to take hundreds of fans across to Brandon and are hoping to take over the first turn terracing.

Clegg said: “It should be a good season this year. I’m at a new club and it’s a good, strong team.

“I know a lot of the lads quite well, and I just want to do the best that I can.

“Nathan and me have known each other quite a while now because we used to race with each other on grass track.

“We get on really well off the track so we should enjoy being together in the pits.

“If we can get some team-riding then I think we can have a good partnership.”

Clegg enjoyed meeting all his colleagues, fans and sponsors at the recent team bonding weekend which was a huge success.

He said: “I’ve had good first impressions of the club. The management seem really good and all the supporters are good as well.

“I don’t really think pressure will effect me that much even though I’m joining a club with a lot of fans.

“I used to let pressure get to me a lot but I think more fans spurs me on a bit now and makes me ride better if anything.

“We could have a good chance of the league title if we all get settled in quickly and have some good meetings.

“Nathan is a newcomer so you can never be sure how he will do but he’s a good rider and I think he’ll do well.

“It should be a good season and hopefully we end up towards the top of the league table.”

Heathens have been unable to arrange a team practice session ahead of next week’s trip to Brandon.

But the full team have been invited to take part in Wolverhampton’s press and practice session on Tuesday, March 26, from 6.30pm.

Boss Will Pottinger said: “We need to get some laps in around Monmore Green before our first home meeting on April 9 against Coventry.

“We tried to get the lads together but it’s been impossible to get them together on the same day because of work, school and transport issues.

“It’s amazing to think we have riders who are at school and yet riding speedway for our club!

“We’re looking forward to what promises to be an exciting season.”