Statement: Jake Allen

SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS’ boss Rob Godfrey has explained the background to the situation that has seen Jake Allen sign for Championship rivals Redcar in 2021.

The Australian was originally due to ride for Scorpions this season. But he released a statement in late January that said: “It is with deep regret that I have had to pull out of competing in British Speedway in 2021. Due to the current situation with regards to Covid-19, there can be no guarantees regarding the number of meetings that will take place and unfortunately this has cost me my place in British Speedway for 2021. It is a simple case of not being in a position to afford to race professionally after the financial losses of 2020.”

Allen has since had second thoughts, but unfortunately it comes too late for Scorpions to be able to accommodate him back in the side, while there was still a vacancy at Redcar.

Godfrey said: “I was gutted when Jake Allen announced he wouldn’t be coming over in 2021. I told him to have a think about it and delay his decision, but he went ahead and announced he wasn’t coming back.

“I respected that decision and started to look elsewhere. I looked at various continental options, but I realised the best option was another Australian, Josh MacDonald.

“Josh had another club interested in him, but he turned them down, to ride for Scunthorpe. He committed to us and likewise I made a commitment to him. I’m not prepared to break that commitment.

“Our other six riders committed to ride for us 18 months ago, and there’s no way that I could drop one of them now, with less than a month to go to the season. Morally, I just couldn’t do that. I hope my riders know that I would always treat them fairly.

“It broke my heart to tell Jake that we couldn’t put him back into the side. But I couldn’t go back on my word given to the other seven riders.

“Redcar did have a space and Jake has signed for them and I wish him well for this season. There’s no bad feeling on either side and I remain hopeful in seeing Jake Allen back in the colours of Scunthorpe Scorpions in 2022.

“Of course, we still have ambitions for 2021 – we have a team which still has three good heat leaders and is very solid. But the main focus is to get through this year into 2022. I hope our loyal supporters understand – their support is invaluable to our club.”