CHRISTIAN Henry will return for the Newcastle Diamonds next season.
The 30-year-old Australian has been confirmed as the latest Diamonds signing – leaving just one place to fill for the 2012 season starting in March.
Henry enjoyed four productive seasons on Tyneside from 2005 to 2008, averaging more than seven points a meeting and for a while leading his Diamonds wearing the captain’s arm-band.
Diamonds’ co-promoter Darryl Illingworth was happy to welcome the old-boy back and said: “Christian had developed a very fast outside line, especially coming off our second bend, and won many of his fine points using that technique.
“He left us before the start of the 2009 season, going to King’s Lynn and last season went back to the Glasgow Tigers, achieving an average of just under 5.5.
“We welcome him back fully in belief he can rekindle his excellent form which made him such a solid scorer round our place the last time he raced for us.
“What makes for successful teams are those who have riders capable of increasing their statistics in their colours at the start of the season, and Christian is a prime example of one who we think can do that very effectively.
“As we welcome back one former captain, we say farewell to our skipper from 2011 as Derek Sneddon has accepted a deal to take him back to his former side Edinburgh.
“We are sad to see “Deek” leave our ranks and we wish him all the very best with the Monarchs in 2012.
“We have to say, however , he would have been foolish not to accept the deal and we fully understand, especially in the current tight economic climate, he simply could not turn down what was fantastic offer from Edinburgh.
“We wish him very well. I believe our side is well balanced with Stuart Robson, Mark Lemon and Christian providing a wealth of experience and high-scoring ability coupled with the youthful enthusiasm from the Worrall twins Richie and Steve along with Dane Claes Nedermark which should set us up for a successful season to come.”
The Diamonds now have fractionally under six points to fill for their last racer.
BERWICK Bandits have agreed to allow Czech Josef Franc join the Sheffield Tigers for 2012.
Franc’s ever-increasing bookings for international long and grass tracking events means he would have missed more home matches at Shielfield Park, leading to discussions between club and rider resulting in a move described as “best for both”.
Jade Mudgway has also departed the Bandits’ scene and his new club is expected to announce his acquisition soon.
