JAN O Pedersen believes he is rolling back the years in his role of Dudley Heathens team coach.

Pedersen, one of Cradley’s all-time greats, is working closely with boss Will Pottinger and his team and so far results have been impressive.

And he admits he senses something similar to when he first came to the UK in 1983.

He said: “The togetherness between riders and supporters is amazing and we had a fantastic afternoon at Scunthorpe on Sunday when we pulled off a last-gasp win.

“It reminds me of when I first joined Cradley. The team were winning and we all got on really great together and the fans turned out in big numbers to support you.

“It’s carrying on the tradition. At Scunthorpe the fans made a massive difference and for the riders to see the level of support they have is tremendous.

“Of course, the support we get at our home meetings in Wolverhampton is well known, but for fans to spend money and travel away like they do is brilliant.

“In my opinion none of this would be possible without the fans. The management are making it happen and the news about the tie-up with Gornal Athletic is positive, but all this is because of the support from our fans.

“They are fanatical just like they were at Cradley. I think it’s brilliant and Dudley Heathens have clearly brought a lot of people back to the sport as well as introducing new fans.”

Heathens have a gap in fixtures now until Tuesday, June 12, when they host the first leg of their Knock-out Cup semi-final with the Isle of Wight at Monmore Green.

Meanwhile, tickets are selling fast for the evening with Heathens legend Erik Gundersen at the Venue Conference and Banqueting Suite in Dudley on Friday, July 20 (8.30pm).

Triple-world champion Gundersen will be making the trip from his Danish home and half the capacity has already been sold.

General admission tickets are available at £10 with the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the club’s online shop at www.dudleyheathens.co or by sending a cheque payable to HSSC, 2 Caernarvon Way, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 2TR. For more details, contact HSSC on 07766 745681.