ACES REMAIN OPTIMISTIC

BELLE VUE boss Mark Lemon remains confident of building a team to defend the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership title in 2027 – despite the blow of Dan Bewley’s departure to Ipswich.

Lemon admits his plans changed when Bewley informed him of his decision to leave, and the club have also confirmed fellow heat-leader Jason Doyle – who replaced the injured Great Britain star this year – will be joining a club closer to home next season.

Said Lemon: “I know how disappointed our fans will be because Dan is adored in Manchester for what he has achieved with us.

“I’ve got to stress that this is entirely Dan’s decision, as he would 100 per cent have been in our line-up for 2027 should he have wanted to return to us.

“We only found out after the Grand Final had been run so it does cause a re-think to our plans for next season.

“But I can assure everyone we will track a fully competitive side once again as we look to defend our league title.”