Wildcats all White.

Brian White will continue as Wildcats team manager next season. The Weymouth speedway promoter took over the role on a caretaker basis after Mike Vernam stood down because of work commitments in July White had planned to advertise for a permanent replacement but today announced his decision to remain in the post.

And to help ease the pressure for the Wildcats boss on race nights, supporter and businessman Phil Bartlett has been elected co-chairman of the Wessex Stadium club.
White explained: "It was never my intention or wish to be team manager and I only agreed to do it after Mike Vernam was forced to stand down suddenly because of increased work commitments."

"Initially I was just going to do it until the end of last season and then look for someone else during the winter.
What's changed my mind is that a number of riders have been on to me and asked if I'd consider doing the job on a long-term basis and so I've agreed."

"Running the team is something I really enjoyed, more than I thought I would, and so I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

Bartlett, a partner in Weymouth-based firm Active Mobility, will now be in charge of all non-racing matters at Radipole Lane including sponsorship and corporate hospitality.

White added: "Phil is a massive Weymouth speedway fan who runs a very successful business in the town and is the perfect man to do the job. He's already put a lot of time and money into the club and having him around takes a lot of the pressure off me."

"He knows everyone at the track really well and he's the main sponsor to David Mason and Dan Giffard. He's now begun a big sponsorship drive and it's great to have him on board."

Bartlett said he is proud to have been appointed co-chairman and urged local firms to get behind the Wildcats push for Conference League honours in 2005. "I'm proud and pleased to been given this opportunity by Brian," he explained, "and of course it's very important to have a strong team off the track as well as on it."

"I'm looking forward to working for the club and I would appeal to local firms and businesses to support what is a very popular and successful sport. A big part of my job is to attract new sponsors and anyone wishing to get involved is very welcome. At the moment we have things like the prestigious handle bar sponsorship available for ?5,000 down to meeting and heat sponsorship for smaller budgets."

"These are exciting times for the Wildcats and I really believe we could win the league next season. It's a good time to be involved and I look forward to a great future for the club and its fans." Anyone wanting more information about sponsoring the Wildcats can contact Phil Bartlett on 07841 042475."