Redcar Bears have just one more rider to find to complete their 2015 team after bringing back Matej Kus following a season on loan at Berwick.
The Gazette revealed on Saturday that promoter Brian Havelock was keen to recall the club asset and former Czech champion and that although Berwick wanted to take him back, they would have to buy him outright.
The asking price has since been confirmed as £21,000 and that was too much for the Bandits, whose fans saw Kus rise from reserve to No 1 in 2014 and voted him their rider of the year.
Berwick boss John Anderson, who also revealed he gave the Bears permission to speak to David Bellego, who has since joined Sheffield, said: “After the AGM, we quickly agreed a deal for Matej to ride for us again in 2015 and emailed Redcar to confirm that we wished to take Matej back on loan as is normal protocol.
“Brian then told us he had changed his mind. He said he wanted Matej to ride at Redcar, which as owner is his prerogative of course, and that he would not sanction another loan to Berwick – the only way we could have the rider was by paying a transfer fee of £21,000.
“Quite apart from the amount quoted – for instance Darcy Ward, who was seven years younger than Matej is now and probably the brightest prospect for 50 years in world speedway, moved from King’s Lynn to Poole four years ago for a lesser amount – this turnaround is a real slap in the face for both the rider and ourselves.
“We cannot afford any kind of transfer fee, let alone one of £21K – in these troubled speedway times, what club could for a Premier League rider?”
Meanwhile Bears asset Rob Branford has joined Edinburgh after taking a season out.
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