Workington Comets promoter Andrew Bain says the 2025 line-up is formidable – and urged fans to come out in force to support the team.
He said: “Last year we spiced up the league massively with the arrivals of Tate, Antti and Celina which was everyone’s talking point before the start of the season due to the unknowns in the team.
“I think there will be bit of that next season as well, and not just with our team, we are already seeing other clubs follow what we did last season and look to other countries for riders – which is a good thing.”
“Of course there is risk – but risks can pay off in rewards. We are sure this team will be one to watch and once again it’s great we have introduced British speedway into some more exciting new talent from the continent in Fraser Bowes.
“I think the key to next season will be our reserves. Last season we struggled in that department for most of the year which probably hindered us in the playoffs when you look at other teams, but securing Vinnie Foord and Jacob Hook will be huge for us.
“Vinnie showed everyone last year he is pure box office and is prepared to put himself on the line to win, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The sport needs these characters and a team needs these characters to be successful.
“At the end of last season, I said we only wanted to sign a rider that wanted to ride for Workington – and every single rider we have signed has already shown their commitment and enthusiasm to the club which is fantastic.”
He said last season was a great achievement for the team, as Comets reached the play-offs, but 2025 would need to see the side go one – or two – steps further.
He added: “I think the team we have secured for next season is a formidable one. Of course, we haven’t turned a wheel for next season yet, but everything is looking really positive.
“We have signed the team we want, the uptake for season tickets has been outstanding and we are also retaining and gaining new sponsorship partners for next season already.”
“I think our fans should be very excited for next season, it’s a team with bit of edge to it again. We just need our fans and Workington as an area to come out in force in 2025 to support our club, as I’m sure it’s going to be another fantastic season.”
There were some hard decisions to be made in building this season’s team, he added, and losing captain Craig Cook was one.
He added: “We had to make some tough decisions in our team-building process.
“We knew that we wanted two stronger reserves than we had last year for next season and unfortunately it came down to numbers.
“Craig did great for us last season, he seemed to be enjoying his speedway again which was brilliant to see and he was also a fantastic captain but it was a decision that had to be made and we didn’t take it lightly. We all wish him well with Berwick next season.”
Team boss James Denham added: “We are all really pleased with what the team we have built for 2025, and once again we really do think this will be a competitive team next season.
“Troy Batchelor had a fantastic year for us last season, he rejuvenated his passion for the sport and enjoyed his speedway again with us.
“He was also great with the riders and fans alike last year and really stepped up to the occasion in the big meetings such as Berwick and Redcar when we were chasing the playoffs and were down on numbers.”
“With in that in mind, it was an obvious decision to make him the captain for next season.
“I think he has some solid backup as well, Tate Zischke and Antti Vuolas will know what to expect of all the away tracks now and Jye Etheridge is already vastly experienced in the UK. Also Vinnie, along with Jacob, will probably be one of the strongest reserve duos in the league.
“Fraser Bowes will also come over to us with a vast amount of experience on the continent to make his British speedway debut, but like Tate and Antti last year there will need to be a few meetings where he gets up to speed in the UK.”
