I'm not done yet says Pratt as he gets Heathens honour (From Dudley News)

I'm not done yet says Pratt as he gets Heathens honour

9:00pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Sport

COLIN Pratt insists he hasn’t retired from speedway management and is ready to work again.

The former Cradley rider and manager will be guest of honour at a sellout event in the town on Friday night where he will be made Honorary President of Dudley Heathens.

Heathens chiefs will make a presentation to Pratt in recognition of his service to Cradley down the years.

He left Elite League Coventry last season but remains open to offers from other clubs despite his new role with the Heathens.

Pratt said: “I’m very honoured to have been asked to be the President of the Heathens.

“It’s a nice gesture and it still makes me available for a role within the sport, I certainly haven’t turned my back on it.

“I suppose the long term relationship between me and Cradley started as a rider there back in 1970 and then as promoter from 1984 until they closed in 1995. I have very enjoyable memories of my time with the club, and to be offered this honorary position is excellent for me.

“I’ve been to various events to do with the club since they reformed, and the support of the club is still fantastic. It’s a special club.

“I always look forward to the Heathens’ evening events. I’ve made many friends at the club over the years, and it’s always good to catch up with them.

“I’m very pleased and honoured to be a President of such a special club, and I’m sure Friday at the Liberal Club will be a brilliant evening.”

Pratt has praised the work of the current management at the former Cradley club for instigating the reformation of the club in 2010.

And as they enter their fourth National League season at Wolverhampton’s Monmore Green, he believes a development site for a new stadium is all the club is missing.

“I think it’s good that Nigel Pearson, Chris Van Straaten and Gary Patchett have got the new Heathens project of the ground,” said Pratt.

“There has been a lot of work done in getting the club back over the last three years, and it’s been brilliant for everyone involved in the club to see how successful it has been.

“It’s just a case of trying to come up with a venue for the club now. It would be good to see them get a new stadium soon because a club of this size with the loyal supporters that they have deserve it.”

The 2013 Heathens will be together for the first time on Friday when they will be presented with their new race jacket in front of supporters.

There will also be an auction of a signed race jacket, plus other rare items with all money raised from the night going to the seven riders.

And on Saturday the team will spend the day together for a clay pigeon shoot in Worcestershire before a social evening at a hotel organised by club sponsor Dave Burns at Recycled Aggregates.

Friday night will also see the launch of the new Erik Gundersen DVD with copies available for fans to buy priced £16.