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LAKESIDE have announced former British Champion and national captain Kelvin Tatum has joined the club as part of their Coaching and Development team.Tatum, who had two spells as a Hammer during his racing career, will be working in an advisory capacity to assist Jon Cook with first-team matters and will be actively involved with the riders during meetings.Cook said: “This is a terrific boost for the club’s forthcoming season preparations. Kelvin brings a wealth of knowledge and know-how in areas we've previously been lacking. “I expect us to make a tremendous double act to bring the best out of the team and give Hammers fans the results they deserve. In our long-term future aspirations, having such a high profile and well-respected figure both inside and outside the sport is also a major plus.”
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BELLE Vue have named Northern-based duo Lee Payne and Rob Shuttleworth in their National League team for 2016.Wigan-based Payne in fact rode for the club in the Elite League as a draft reserve in 2014 and has spent recent NL campaigns with Stoke.Meanwhile Shuttleworth, who hails from Barrow, will be going into his third season in the sport after making impressive progress this year at Coventry.Belle Vue CEO Chris Morton said: “It’s great to welcome both Lee and Rob to Belle Vue in 2016. They’re very talented riders who are based right here in the North West, and they’re pleased and proud to ride for us next year.”
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COVENTRY have completed their National League team with the signing of British Youth Championship runner-up Jamie Halder.The 16-year-old raced nine meetings for the Storm this year, winning his debut ride at Kent in June, and he now teams up with Callum Walker at reserve.Halder said: “I really enjoyed having my first National League season with Coventry, and it was brilliant to win my first ride. I learnt a lot about bike set-ups and how to ride different tracks, and it’s a good team spirit at Coventry. “I think next season is going to be really good, it’s me and Callum at reserve and I think I should be able to up my average.”