SAM STAYING WITH BRUMMIES

BIRMINGHAM have confirmed Sam Hagon will retain their Rising Star role after impressing in recent matches.

The British Under-21 Champion was signed by the Brummies last month after injury to Jason Edwards, who has now joined Ipswich on a 28-day deal.

Manager Chris Adams said: “Firstly, I don’t think Sam deserved to lose his team place, especially after his last two or three meetings for us – it would have been harsh.

“Away at Sheffield he really attacked that track and he was one of our best riders there and then he backed that up with another solid display at Belle Vue when he was our only race winner.

“I have spoken to Jason since he declared himself fit and at first I looked at a way where he might come in as our No.6.

“But if we did that, Jason would have had to have stayed in our line-up for 28 days, effectively leaving Ben (Barker – appendix operation recovery) with very few meetings left to do for Birmingham.

“Jason’s a good lad, he clearly wants to make up for the lost time he’s suffered through injury by becoming a ‘free agent’ and possibly get some meetings with a team destined for the play-offs. So you could say it was a mutual decision in the end, and we do wish him all the best.”