Aussie internationals Chris Holder and Troy Batchelor have been sensationally sacked by SGB Premiership side King’s Lynn, with club owner Keith Chapman insisting he’s seeking a side “where everyone has the right attitude.”
The Stars have drafted in former Swedish champion Tomas H Jonasson, Michael Palm Toft and Josh Auty, with the currently injured Nicklas Porsing sharing a spot with Simon Lambert.
Axed 2012 world champion Holder is currently serving a 28-day UK ban after being deemed to have refused to ride in two of Stars’ heats against Poole at the Adrian Flux Arena on July 13 due to concerns over track conditions. Meanwhile, Troy Batchelor withdrew from the meeting with an injury, only to guest for Swindon the following evening.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Chapman said he hopes the changes will lift the gloom at the club. He said: “I felt our season was heading towards a brick wall and had to do something.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to Chris Holder and Troy Batchelor for riding for the club and I’m sad it hasn’t worked out with them this season.
“Having said that, I feel we now have an environment within the King’s Lynn team where everyone has the right attitude and they want to get out there and do their best for the club.
“Tomas H Jonasson has moved heaven and earth to get himself ready to come over from Sweden. Josh Auty and Michael Palm Toft are well liked by the fans and I sincerely hope this can be the news we need to get our flagging season back on track.
“We don’t have an out-and-out No.1 but we have strength in-depth with a team full of riders with a good, positive attitude towards the club and towards the sport in general. They are all desperate to get started and do well for the club.
“Whenever Josh and Michael have been at King’s Lynn they have always entertained and given their best. Let’s see how the season goes from here and I would urge all King’s Lynn fans to turn out and back our play-off push, starting on Wednesday against Swindon.”
SpeedwayGP.com was unable to reach Chris Holder for comment, while Batchelor politely declined to comment at this stage.
But shortly after the news was released, Holder tweeted: “Well that pretty much sums up the boss of British speedway… releasing me and Troy a day after the cut of date for signings… cheers.”
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