Last updated 16:24, Thursday, 07 February 2008

COMET John Branney will be back in Conference League speedway this season but has had to switch clubs.

Stoke Spitfires have decided not to run a Conference team this year but Buxton Hitmen have recruited Branney at the third time of asking.

The 22-year-old Workington Comets reserve rider will be operating at number one or three for the Hitmen.

Loomer Road boss Dave Tattum informed the league’s co-ordinator Peter Morrish at the weekend of the decision which means eight clubs will compete in the third tier of the sport.

Rider of the Year in 2007 for the Spitfires, Branney says he was disappointed at missing out on a return to Stoke.

He said: “Buxton is the second best option for me. I get on well with the management there as my family has been going down there for a number of years.

“My brother Craig started riding for Buxton and when I was setting off I used to have a spin round there after the meetings.

“I think it will provide more useful experience and if I can do as well as I did at Stoke last year that will help boost my confidence. I think it was good for my development over the second half of the season at Workington.

“James Wright started at Buxton and if I can do as well as he’s done since then I’ll be delighted.”

Branney said that as soon as he knew Stoke were non-starters, and Buxton had offered him a team place, he rang Comets team manager Ian Thomas.

Branney said: “To be honest Buxton have been trying to sign me for two years so they’ve got me at the third attempt.”

Team boss Thomas said: “I thought John came on really well over the second half of last season and that was helped by his confidence being lifted at Stoke. I had no problems with him riding again this season, just as long as it wasn’t at a Friday night track.”

Branney knows he will face a hectic few hours between finishing at Derwent Park on a Saturday night and then preparing to get down to Buxton for a 3pm start on the Sunday.

He is due to start with the Comets at Berwick on Easter Saturday, March 22, in the opening Premier Trophy match.