CRADLEY Heathens legend Greg Hancock made an emotional return to where it all started last weekend.

The World Speedway Champion was back in the Cradley area for a rare visit and hundreds of fans welcomed him ‘home’. Hancock started his career with the Heathens in 1989 and spent eight seasons there – including the ill-fated year at Stoke in 1996.

He was greeted by a massive crowd at Motor Market Ltd, new team partners of the Dudley Heathens, in Cradley Heath on Saturday afternoon and then took to the stage when almost 400 fans gave him a standing ovation at The Venue Conference and Banqueting Centre in Dudley.

Said Hancock: “It’s unbelievable to see everyone here and I hope Dudley Councillors take note and realise still what the Heathens name means to people.

“It’s been a hectic day but it’s also been very enjoyable, to see so many familiar faces from the old days who I haven’t seen in years.

“I remember my time at Cradley and the start of my career as though it was yesterday and it’s been so nice coming back here. I’d like to thank everyone for the welcome, it means a lot.”

Hancock stayed until after midnight to sign autographs and have pictures taken with adoring fans and he was joined by former team-mates Jan O Pedersen, Anthony Boyd, John Bostin, Mark Robinson, Alan and Andy Grahame and ex-Heathens boss Colin Pratt.

He added: “I really hope you guys are successful in finding a new home on a permanent basis. You have the club after all these years, but you don’t have the home base yet and when that happens I’d be delighted to come along on the opening night.

“I’m not sure whether I’ll still be riding when that happens but you never know if the Heathens are back on their own track and in the Elite League I might even come back to British racing to sign for you!”

Meanwhile Will Pottinger says his Heathens riders are raring to go for their eagerly awaited opener with rivals Stoke at Monmore on Tuesday, April 3.

Pottinger is delighted with the way plans for the new season have taken shape and he says team spirit is developing nicely already.

The majority of the team were at Stoke’s Loomer Road on Monday for a pre-season practice under the supervision of team coach Jan O Pedersen.

Pottinger said: “It’s been good to get the lads together a couple of times before the new season starts.

“Stoke will be a tough test for us and it’s getting very close now. It’s a good way for us to start the season and I know our supporters are eager to get into it.

“The lads are getting on really well together, it’s a shame Adam Roynon has had to miss a bit of practice because of his crash at Birmingham but he knows the rest of the riders anyway.

“I’m cautiously optimistic about the new season, like everyone we need a bit of luck to avoid injuries and if we can do that I think there is a good chance for us.”