Richardson makes Saints' history

SCOTT Richardson will add his name to the Scunthorpe Speedway record books when he lines up for the Saints this season.

The 21-year-old will become only the fourth rider in Scunthorpe's history to represent the club in six separate seasons after signing up for another..

Gary Irving and Adam Wrathall will also be back in National League action as the Saints prepare for the year ahead.

A question mark had been hanging over the team's future this winter.

But following last month's league AGM, promoter Rob Godfrey gave the side the go-ahead.

Manager Malcolm Vasey now has high hopes for this term.

"The three riders are all fine young men and deserve to succeed," he said.

"They are all easy to deal with and certainly have the right attitude.

"They provide us with an excellent backbone on which to build the Saints and I envisage adding two experienced riders for the top of the team and two inexperienced ones for the reserve positions."

Richardson joins Nicky Allott and Ray Watkins in representing Scunthorpe for six seasons, while the late Rob Woffinden managed seven campaigns.

"Whilst Scott seems part of the furniture at the Eddie Wright Raceway it has to be remembered that he is still only 21 and wasn't a permanent member of the club's line-up during his first two seasons," said Vasey.

"He had a very promising 2008, where he averaged around seven, but 2009 just didn't go to plan for him.

"He suffered a nasty hand injury which prevented him riding in the opening meetings and at the end of the season broke his collarbone and ended up missing three matches at home.

"In between the injuries he wasn't quite firing on all cylinders but I'm sure he can come back strong in 2010 and show us why he was given some Premier League outings two years ago".