Last updated at 11:56, Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Workington Comets owner Keith Denham has said his need to consistently improve the team was the reason for dropping Gary Irving and insisted he has not fallen out with the rider.

Keith Denham

Irving was replaced in the side by Ashley Morris last Monday and he cited a difference of opinion with Denham as to the main reason for being dropped.

However, Denham said himself and Irving left on good terms but he felt the change was needed to improve the team for the future.

He said: “I have had no row with Gary. When I told him he was being released we shook hands and have told him he can come back another day.

“I also made Scunthorpe aware of his availability so he could get fixed up with a team straight away.

“Gary had only won one race all year. I have to consistently improve the team and I think Ashley is a better prospect.

“If you want a better car you make a change and I need to improve the team for the future.”

Morris, who is a team mate of Adam Roynon’s at Dudley in the National League, impressed on his debut against Redcar scoring a paid five points from three rides which included a second in his first outing.

Denham felt he benefited from a spin round the track last Thursday before Saturday’s match - a session that also involved Kyle Howarth and Roynon.

Denham added: “I was totally impressed with Ashley and he showed me exactly what I saw in him.

“He delivered the goods and did better than I expected. He is part of the team already as he knows Adam and went to Australia during the winter with Kyle.

“His equipment and attitude is first class and if the track had been better I am sure he would have scored more points.”

Denham believes there is now a good balance to the team with all three heat leaders, Richard Lawson, Rene Bach and Roynon all scoring double figures on Saturday backed up well by Howarth who looked backto his best with a paid 13 haul.

New signing Tero Aarnio only scored three points on his debut after winning his first ride but suffered an unfortunate disqualification and a retirement.

Denham added: “He has only been over here a week and he has been busy but I know he can do the business.

“The team spirit is good and we will look to push on from here.”

First published at 11:27, Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk