Arena Essex promoter Ronnie Russell hit back at critics of his squad rebuilding as he completed the 2003 line-up with the arrival of Maik Groen.

The 27-year-old Dutchman has a wealth of long track and grass track experience and is set to fill the reserve spot for his first season in British speedway.

And Russell believes the new man -- one of four newcomers -- is capable of bringing in crucial points as a reserve and will fill the gap that cost them last season after Lee Herne was promoted into the team.

"To have somebody like Maik Groen at reserve with all his motor-cycle achievement could be something of a coup and I'll be surprised if he's not soon fighting to claim a place in the top order," he said.

But some are worried that the wholesale changes to last season's line-up will unsettle the squad and jeopardise Hammers' chances of finally delivering silverware to the Purfleet Raceway.

Not surprisingly, Russell himself sees it differently.

"We have a good mixture of youth and experience and when the season gets underway, we will have four riders in our side wearing the Hammers colours for the first time," he said."I took the decision that we needed to restructure the side after last season.

"At the start, it looked a good side on paper with four potential heat-leaders but that's not the way things worked out. You do need a balance with points coming from all quarters, those few down the lower order can be so crucial.

"I've already received a few moans from people who seem to think that I don't know what I'm doing but I haven't just dropped into this sport, I've been around for some while and I intend to be around a lot longer.

"But I want success for Arena Essex because I believe that if we can have a winning side, then the crowds will increase."

Published Tuesday, January 21, 2003

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