MIDDLOâ€™S SWC STAR 7

Thursday 5th July 2012, 13:26

Team Great Britain manager Neil Middleditch has worked with the country’s greatest speedway riders of the 21st century in two separate spells as Lions boss since 2001.

He has also managed quite a few greats at British Elite League level since taking over as Poole Pirates chief in 1999.

Middlo has already picked his side to take on Australia, Germany in the Czech Republic in FIM Monster Energy Speedway World Cup Event 2 at King’s Lynn on Monday.

But Speedwaygp.com editor Paul Burbidge also asked him to select his SWC Star 7 – the best seven riders he has managed for club and country.

TONY RICKARDSSON

“His professionalism was incredible – he just lifted the sport to another level with his SGP setup and his outlook on the sport. I just think he led and others followed.”

MARK LORAM

“I’m picking him for his guts and determination really and his never-say-die attitude. You knew with Mark you were going to get 110 percent in every race.”

GARY HAVELOCK

“I’d pick him for his determination and also his passion when it came to riding for his country. He just lifted his game that little bit more when he put the Team GB body colour on. It was a pleasure to watch and it was a pleasure to work with him.”

SCOTT NICHOLLS

“He’s another one with guts and determination. He’s a strong rider and really works the bike. You get 100 percent with Scott. He hasn’t been the luckiest with injuries, but he still gives his all.”

LEIGH ADAMS

“He was such a polished performer. If you were going to draw a picture of a speedway rider, you’d draw a picture of Leigh. It’s a tragedy that, having been such a safe rider throughout his career, he got injured in such a sad way.”

CHRIS HOLDER & DARCY WARD

“Obviously I’m biased working with them at Poole, but I think it’s just a pleasure to watch them. They’re the two most exciting riders in the speedway world at the moment.

“Darcy rides with the head of a very mature rider – his team riding is second to none.

“Chris is captain of Poole and he’s absolutely tremendous. He’s up and down the pits and he’s selfless.

“Even if he’s having a bad meeting, and it’s not as if he has many, he helps the kids. I can tell him to come and have a word with one of the riders and he’s straight there with his knowledge.”

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