Ryan Douglas all-clear for relieved Scorpions

BOTH the management of Scunthorpe speedway and Ryan Douglas are breathing a sigh of relief, after receiving confirmation that the Australian has been granted a tier-five visa, which will allow him to ride for the FluidAir Power Scorpions in the Premier League this season.

A tweet from Ryan Douglas revealed the news that all Scorpions’ fans have been hoping for: “Visa has been despatched! What a relief, I can’t thank Rob Godfrey and Scunthorpe speedway enough for all the behind-the-scenes work. See you all soon!”

Scunthorpe promoter Rob Godfrey is also a delighted man.

Godfrey said: “Ryan’s going to get his visa and we are now 100% sure that he will be riding for the Scorpions this season.

“We’ve moved heaven & earth to get him back and get the visa issue sorted, because he is a key rider for us this season.

“One rider doesn’t make a team by any means, but a high-scoring reserve can make such a difference.”

Godfrey conceded Douglas may miss the Scorpions’ opening fixture at the Eddie Wright Raceway on Sunday (3pm), a League Cup clash against local rivals Sheffield.

He explained: “We’ve been following what’s been happening with Leicester’s Jason Doyle very closely, because his application was two days in front of that of Ryan.

“The Embassy in Manila in the Philippines that has been handling Ryan’s visa application has granted it, and they have said that has passport, including the visa, will be back with him in three days.

“We know from the Jason Doyle case, it could be closer to a week.

“There’s a chance that Ryan may be over here in time for Sunday’s meeting, but I think we have to be realistic and say that the chances are that he will miss it.

“There’s no point in re-declaring for one meeting, and the only other option is a National League guest.

“So we have James Sarjeant on standby to guest for us on Sunday – I’m sure he will do a fine job for us if we do require him to ride in Ryan’s place. It’s just one meeting, and I’m sure the rest of the team will rise to the challenge.

“But the great news is that Ryan Douglas will be riding for us in our quest for glory in the Premier League this season”, Godfrey concluded.