Following the official statement issued by Scunthorpe Speedway on 1st September regarding Danny Phillips’ release from the Scorpions team, Danny would like to share his thoughts and clarify the events surrounding this matter.

 

   Directly after the announcement, Danny said “I am very disappointed to be released from the team, but equally disappointed in the manner in which it has been handled.”

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   “I was informed of the situation by our team manager following the conclusion of Friday’s meeting against Sheffield.  I was advised “Mr Godfrey would like his race jacket back and (that I should) go home”.  At no point was I made aware my position in the team was under threat, and to be dropped after the official cut-off date which prohibits another Championship team from potentially signing me doesn’t sit well with me at all.”

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   “When I signed for Scunthorpe at the start of the season, Mr Godfrey emphasized this was an opportunity for me to get back into the Championship league following my injuries the previous year.  My form for Newcastle at the start of 2017 was encouraging, and I was being offered the position with the Scorpions without any pressure on scoring as they had signed a strong 1 to 6, and any points I brought to the table would be a bonus to the team.”

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   “After blowing my best engine at Sheffield on 2nd August, I informed the club I had immediately ordered a new one which shows my commitment to continue my racing to the end of the season.  The fact that another engine blew up last Friday just sums up my luck.  I was totally focused on finishing the season as a Scorpion with the new engine installed as I believe I have more potential than my scoring suggests and would like to finish off the season in better form helping Scunthorpe bring home some silverware.”

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   “The lack of direct communication from Mr Godfrey on this matter has been unsettling, I would have expected a more professional approach from a person I have looked up to for many years.  I believe it may be at variance with the SCG Article 16.3.4 cut-off date rule, the date of which is August 15th, 2018.

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   “I would like to thank all the supporters who have watched and encouraged me in my development this season at Scunthorpe and wish to clarify that this situation has arisen without my knowledge, I haven’t voluntary stood down, and was totally focused on continuing to do my best for the club.  I would still very much like to see out the remainder of the season as a Scunthorpe rider.  A big thank you to my team and sponsors who are standing by me on this matter and for their continued support going forward in my speedway career”.

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Image by Sportography.