Kristensen axed, Madsen returns.

In the Spring of 1999 Berwick Speedway boss Peter Waite introduced two new Danes to UK speedway, one was Claus Kristensen and the other, Tom P. Madsen. In the Autumn of 2004, however, ironically the latter has replaced the former after 4 years at King's Lynn.

After detailed meetings between Waite and Christensen a statement from Waite was issued announcing the change in the Bandit's riding line-up.... Which comes into force in time for tonight's Premier League encounter away at the Hull Vikings (7.30pm, Craven Park).

Kristensen will also not no be representing Berwick in the Premier League Riders' Championship at Sheffield later this month... details of who will be will be released as soon as possible.

Waite said, "I have had extensive talks with Claus Kristensen and we have come to a mutual agreement that after some very disappointing performances it is time for him to leave the club and look for pastures new."

"His exit is effective immediately and tonight at Hull our own asset, Tom P. Madsen returns to Berwick Speedway after nearly 5 years out on loan to King's Lynn and last year Ipswich too. Tom's return to the club will no doubt be eagerly awaited by Berwick fans as Tom was always popular in the Borders."

"Claus had become rusty here at Berwick and it is just as beneficial for his British career as it is for Berwick that he leave us now, and we thank him for all his efforts over the years, and indeed wish him very well."

"Despite winning in the main at home this year, there have been some very poor lack-lustre performances in the Berwick colours to date, most notably shown when we were beaten by Stoke at Shielfield Park on Saturday night, and I can guarantee fans that I am not finished yet with pruning just yet.... This is merely the start of fairly wholesale changes that will effect the Bandits line-up in readiness for the 2005 season."

"I will not be walked over, and the riders are fully aware of this fact, and also that there may well be another change in the offing before the end of this 2004 campaign, but one thing is for sure, across the close-season many other comings and goings will take place. I will get the success Berwick and it's fans deserve, that I can certainly assure supporters... this is the start of big changes."

"If the chance had come about I would have liked to have made many more changes, even with the season nearly over, but with the resources available to me now to replace riders, I have had to kerb my intentions until such riding resources are available..... But once again.... Watch this space!"