Pottinger hails returning heroes (From Halesowen News)

Pottinger hails returning heroes

8:58am Thursday 28th June 2012 in Sport

WILL Pottinger has paid tribute to the three former Heathens riders who are set to get a massive welcome from fans at the Golden Hammer next month.

Lee Smart, Micky Dyer and Kyle Newman will all be back for the prestigious individual event at Monmore Green on Tuesday, July 10.

Of the 16 competitors, a staggering 10 have worn the Heathens colours over the past three seasons during the successful project to revive the club.

Team boss Pottinger said: “Lee Smart was our first captain in 2010 and he had a tremendous season. He won the National League Riders’ Championship that season and helped us reach the top of the table.

“Micky Dyer came in at a time when we had to make a tough decision to release James Sarjeant but the rules allowed it to happen and he helped transform the team from play-off hopefuls to league leaders.

“Kyle did a fantastic job for us when he came in last season to replace Royno (Adam Roynon) when he got hurt so early in the campaign.

“He kept our season alive and he was an absolute delight to deal with. He’s a rider with great potential and it’s nice to see him doing well with Somerset alongside our own Tom Perry in the Premier League now.

“The Golden Hammer always produces a great night of entertainment and I’m sure it will be no different this time around. I’m looking forward to it and hopefully we will have a Heathens winner.”

The event is once again promoting the F.A.S.T message through Dudley Stroke Association — Face, Arms, Speech, Time — and a collection will be held for the charity on the night.

Admission is £12 adults, £7 concessions and children just £1.

Dudley season tickets are valid for this meeting.

Meanwhile, the Heathens have announced a new commercial partnership with Oldbury business Recycled Aggregate Services.

The team will now carry the Recycled Aggregate Services logo on their race jacket and the company are now main team sponsors.

Recycled Aggregate Services owner David Burns was a keen motorcyclist in his younger days and already backs Wolves star Ricky Wells.

But he said: “Ricky is a good lad who is making good progress but the Heathens project has grabbed my imagination.

“On the occasion of a spare Saturday night when I was younger I would go to Cradley. I’m delighted to become sponsor of the Heathens and hope to play some part in helping the club get a track of their own and bring the Cradley name back.”