Workington Comets have snapped up British rider James Sarjeant to replace Adam Roynon.

Sarjeant, who had a spell with Ipswich Witches as cover for the injured Kyle Newman earlier this season, will ride at No4 on a 5.66 average, subject to BSPA approval.

The Sheffield-born 23-year-old was a victim of the points limit and missed out on a team place with the Witches despite an impressive campaign last season but has recently invested in improved equipment.

Club co-promoter Steve Whitehead said the upcoming increase in averages for Craig Cook and Matt Williamson had forced the club's hand to make changes.

Whitehead added that it was a hard decision to drop Roynon, who is popular with supporters and is due to hold his testimonial meeting at Derwent Park in September.

He said: "He is such a likeable lad, gets on well with the riders, management and fans, but he just wasn't doing what he or we expected; it was so difficult to watch him struggle.

"The last three home meetings he scored three, three and two, and I think that's what made us have a rethink.

"We stuck by him last season and this season we really thought he would kick on but he hasn't and we had no other option except to make a change.

"Hopefully Adam will find his mojo again somewhere."

Whitehead defended the club and owner Laura Morgan from accusations of a lack of loyalty, pointing out that they have stood by riders in recent years through periods of poor form rather than sacking.

Fast-starter Sarjeant also rode for Leicester Lions and Glasgow Tigers in what was then the Premier League.

Morgan added: “We welcome James and hope he can score us the five or six points a meeting we need from that position.

"We have started the season okay but the draw against Redcar and the fact we should be scoring more points consistently across the team is something we had to sort.

"I'm sorry to have to let Adam go but we have to move on and as I keep saying speedway is a results-driven business both for club and rider and we made a business decision."