Scunthorpe Speedway

28.02.10: All change at Saints' helm

The Jotun Paints Scunthorpe Saints are set to have a new team manager for the new season with former rider and coach, Stuart Parnaby (pictured above), taking over the helm from Malcolm Vasey (pictured below to the left of Newport's Laurence Rogers) who has accepted the position of team manager with Stoke Potters in the Premier League. Promoter Rob Godfrey is delighted Parnaby, who was also Jason Lyons' mechanic for many years, has accepted the position and appreciative of all that Malcolm Vasey has done during his time with the club. "Malcolm has been an outstanding contributor to Scunthorpe speedway and he goes to Stoke with our blessing. They have got themselves a first class team manager and he will always be welcome at Scunthorpe".

"However, as one door closes another opens, just as it did when we lost some of last year's Saints line up. We have some new blood in the side and in Stuart Parnaby we have the ideal candidate for the team manager role. He rode for Bradford and Long Eaton in the early nineties and since returning to ride a couple of years ago he has been a permanent fixture at the club. He served us well as a rider in 2008 and was a great help to the Saints side in a coach role last year. His experience and personality make him perfect for the position and we will give all the support he needs".

The change came about after the Stoke Potters were forced to look for a new manager when ill health forced long-serving John Woolridge to step down. Malcolm Vasey explained "It all came about rather suddenly and it certainly wasn't a decision I took lightly. I'm upset to be leaving such a fine club but opportunities like this don't come up too often and I believe in Stuart Parnaby the club have a fine person to take over".

"I'm excited about my fresh new challenge but it is tinged with sadness as everyone at Scunthorpe has been so good to me. There are so many great people at the club, not least Rob Godfrey, who I have the highest regard for. I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and wish the club every success".

There will be a quick return for Vasey in an official capacity as his new charges become the Henderson Insurance Scunthorpe Scorpions' second opponent at home when the new season gets under way. Friday 26th March will see the Scorpions take on the Potters at the Eddie Wright Raceway whilst Easter Saturday, 3rd April, sees the return fixture at Stoke's Loomer Road circuit.