WILL Pottinger says Cradley’s Knockout Cup tie with Mildenhall has all the makings of a classic.

The bitter rivals will clash at Monmore Green on Tuesday, May 13 – the next Heathens home meeting – with the return at West Row the following Sunday.

And Cradley boss Pottinger believes his riders will need a handy lead from the home leg to take to Mildenhall.

“Anyone who follows the sport knows there is history between the two clubs and we’re looking forward to the meetings,” said Pottinger.

“Mildenhall have built a very impressive team once again this season and we know we will need to be firing on all cylinders if we are to get the better of them.

“I think most people recognise there are some clubs who are in serious contention for the silverware and there are others with a different agenda – both ourselves and Mildenhall are going for the trophies.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s a shame that’s our next action but at least the lads are riding elsewhere for various teams.”

Californian superstar Billy Hamill will make an emotional return to the Black Country this summer.

The Cradley Heath Speedway legend, who raced for the club between 1990-1996, is to appear at the Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill on Sunday, July 27 for a special evening with fans.

Hamill, who is now the USA team manager, will be in the UK for the Monster Energy FIM Speedway World Cup and has agreed to appear for ‘An evening with Billy Hamill’ which is sure to be a sellout.

Hosted by TV and Radio broadcaster Nigel Pearson, the evening will be packed with stories, opinion and laughter as ‘the Bullet’ recalls his Dudley Wood days, his world title and the characters he met during a glittering career.

He said: “When I discussed the possibility of this night I emphasised my USA duties come first – but I’m delighted to have agreed the date.

“It will be great to be alongside Nige, who started stadium announcing at the same time as I started riding for Cradley all those years ago.

“And it would be great to see as many of the old guys as possible. I’m sure it will be a fun night!”

Tickets are £10 and there are £25 VIP tickets available which includes a private reception with Billy, signed photograph, buffet and front row seats.

Tickets are available from the Cradley track shop on race night or the club shop, Printworx, Quarry Bank High Street, from 10am-3pm except Wednesday and Sunday.

The Heathens were due to take on Buxton at Monmore Green last night as they looked to get back to winning ways following last week's loss away to Coventry Storm.