Bees Boss Says One Rule For Footballers Another For Us

Last updated : 17 March 2009 By Covsupport News Service
Coventry Bees speedway team boss Peter Oakes has hit out at the difference in between signing foreign footballers and foreign speedway riders.

The Bees have been trying to land American teenager Ricky Wells before last night's opening meeting of the season at Wolves which the Bees lost 52-41 with Chris Harris top scoring with 16+1 points. Wells arrived in Britain but with no clearance could only have a few practice laps after the meeting at Monmore Green had ended.


Speaking to the Coventry Bees website, Oakes said: "It's exceptionally frustrating that we're still waiting, and it's an absolutely ludicrous situation given how long ago we signed him.

"You get people who aren't professional sportsmen coming into the country, and yet speedway has always had an impeccable record with work permits.

"It has never been abused, whereas you see footballers coming in at three or four days' notice with no apparent credentials, and it gets rushed through for them."

The Bees are at home to Wolves in the second Challenge match on Friday night.