Isherwood rides in to Heathens (From Stourbridge News)

Isherwood rides in to Heathens

1:31pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Sport

EXPERIENCED National League rider Gareth Isherwood is the final signing for Dudley Heathens.

Isherwood, 24, had a brief spell with Heathens rivals Mildenhall last September after making a return to the sport following serious injury.

And the Manchester-based rider, who is a Stoke asset, is confident he can justify his average of 5.03 in the main body of the Heathens team.

He said: “I think it’s a good move for me.

“It was quite unexpected to be honest — I was thinking I might be going back to Stoke but then something happened with the points there which didn’t go in my favour.

“Then Dudley got in contact to see if I was interested in joining them, which I definitely was.

“It’s an ideal move really. It’s a big club with a good set-up, plus it’s not too far away for me being based in Manchester.

“I rode for Stoke in 2011 and then at the end of the season I broke my back riding at Mildenhall.

“It took me a while to recover from that but then I came back at the end of last season to ride for Mildenhall to basically get my name back out there.

“It was because they were having some injury problems and my average fitted in well, but it went pretty well and luckily I have managed to get this spot with Heathens for 2013.

“Driving from Manchester to Mildenhall for meetings was a long way to travel, but it’s certainly paid off.”

Isherwood joins skipper Ashley Morris, Lewis Blackbird, Dan Greenwood, Paul Starke, Max Clegg and Nathan Greaves to complete the 2013 Heathens team who open their season at Monmore Green on Tuesday, April 9.

Meanwhile Adam Roynon, one of the most popular Heathens riders of the modern era, will be honoured at a special night later this month.

Roynon ended last season with a badly broken leg after a horrifying crash at King’s Lynn in the play-off final and a benefit night will be held on Tuesday January 22.

The Cumbrian, who is regarded as the unluckiest rider in British Speedway, will talk about his career so far and mix with supporters at the River Rooms, Mill Race Lane, Stourbridge (8pm).

He will be joined by special guests and popular Heathens presenter Ian ‘Porkie’ Jones will provide a disco.

Admission is just £3 and there will be a raffle and auction including a new 2013 Heathens race jacket with all proceeds going to Roynon’s medical expenses.