DANNY Ayres starts the season as Cradley’s new number one.

Ayres, widely regarded as one of the top showmen in the sport, has made the winter switch from Kent after impressing club bosses last season.

And boss Will Pottinger has revealed how he had a straight choice for top spot in the team between Ayres and returning skipper Tom Perry.

“I had the unusual choice of selecting either Danny or Tom as our number one rider as they’ve both got the exact same average of 8.56,” he said.

“After discussing this situation with Tom and Danny, I decided that Danny would start at number one.

“There are a number of factors behind this decision. Danny hasn’t held anything back in the practice sessions that we’ve had and I’m convinced that he can hit the ground running in heat one.

“Also, Tom has made the number five race jacket his own while away with Birmingham so it seemed a logical decision.”

Heathens head to Birmingham next Wednesday for their re-arranged West Midlands Challenge with the Brummies.

And they make a welcome return to Monmore Green on Easter Monday, April 17, against Mildenhall.

Club co-promoter Gary Patchett has paid tribute to the people who have allowed the Heathens to race into an eighth season without a permanent home.

“We have never given up hope,” said Patchett. “Your enthusiasm is tested, however, when you keep getting knocked back.

“It’s an amazing achievement to have this club going into an eighth season without a track of our own, so we must thank Chris Van Straaten and the staff at Wolverhampton.

“In addition, Tony Mole has been extremely accommodating to allow us to stage some meetings at Perry Barr. Ultimately that was the difference between us coming to the tapes and not.

“I don’t mind admitting there was a worrying time last October / November when we feared we wouldn’t be able to run.

“As custodians of the club and the great name that goes with it, we remain proud to be in charge of the Heathens and spreading the club name once again.”