New Cradley Heathens signing Joe Lawlor 'over the moon' after deal is done

The Heathens, who last week announced they will continue to race the bulk of home meetings at Monmore but will also use occasional Wednesday nights at Perry Barr, have seen off interest from several other clubs to get their man.

He's no stranger to the club having made a number of appearances for the Heathens as a stand-by rider last season.

"I'm over the moon!" Lawlor said. "I didn't think it was going to come to be honest, but I'm really pleased to have the chance to be with Cradley full-time.

"I spent some time riding for Belle Vue last season, but I think the move will do me good and I'm looking forward to it.

"I had some good times at Cradley as a guest last season. I enjoyed the track and I got a great response from the crowd.

"I enjoyed myself in the meetings I had, and I'm looking forward to riding for the Heathens next season.

"I had plenty of offers, but Cradley seems like a great club and I would have been stupid to turn it down really.

"It's one of those clubs, isn't it? They are a big name with a lot of history and some brilliant riders have ridden for them over the years.

"It's great to have a chance to ride for a club like that at this stage in my career, and I'll just try and bang in as many points as I can.

"I'd like to think I can add a couple of points to my average and be somewhere near a heat-leader position by the end of the season, but we'll see how it goes."