DIAMONDS MOVE BACK FOR MOUNTAIN

NEWCASTLE have recalled British racer Connor Mountain after parting company with Claus Vissing due to concerns over travel costs and restrictions for the Dane.

The Diamonds hope to stage their first home meeting on Sunday June 6, and owner Rob Grant says he has to put the club’s long-term survival at the forefront of his thoughts.

Grant said: “Regrettably we have had to let Claus go as we simply do not know what the travel restrictions are going to be, and with the guy expecting to travel a lot it could have caused major issues for availability and pushed the travel costs very high indeed.

“We can welcome Connor back into our side, which is a relief for him as he had spent a load of cash in preparing for our initial team choice.

“It was amazing he hadn’t been taken up by another Championship side, but we are delighted to extend our hand to him, and he is equally happy to re-join us and can’t wait to get back in action for us.

“I’ll be honest and say we know the side may not look the strongest on paper, but in 2021 I’m here to ensure the club lives to fight another day, to survive beyond this season, and if that means we don’t win things this season then so be it.

“If we mess up money-wise in 2021, there might not even be a club to support, so survival comes first.”