Speedway: Glasgow Tigers future secured as Biggart completes takeover

Oct 8 2012 By Fraser Wilson

ALUN BIGGART promised to put the growl back into Glasgow Tigers after completing his takeover of the speedway giants at the weekend.

The Denmark-based businessman, originally from Kilmacolm, jetted into Scotland on Saturday night to meet supporters at a packed meeting in the city centre - and to ease tensions surrounding the club's future.

Biggart wasted no time in sharing his ambitious plans for the club - which include installing floodlights at Ashfield and moving race meetings from a Sunday afternoon to a Friday evening.

Several other changes, and improvements to stadium facilities, were also mooted to whet supporters' appetitites.

The 2011 Premier League champions have been up for sale for most of this year after stalwarts Stewart Dickson and Alan Dick announced their intentions to stand down after 12 years at the helm.

And with debts running into five figures hanging over the club, supporters feared a new buyer might not be found in time for the 2013 season.

But Biggart raced in to the rescue and the club will – once details of the lease at Ashfield are clarified and with expected BSPA approval of the change of ownership — line up in the 2013 Premier League.

Former promoter and Tigers’ existing shareholder Gordon Pairman has retained his financial stake in the club and will partner Biggart at the helm.

In addition, a four-man management team of Colin Hamilton, Craig McCurdy, Derek Smith and Ian Adam will play a key role in the running of the club.

The new owner said: “Gordon and I are very appreciative of our fans displaying their passion for their club, as well as to the previous owners for keeping the club going over a period of mixed fortunes.

"The club has been through a difficult period these past few years but it has survived and we have some amazing and dedicated fans who love their speedway and who got behind our announcement tonight and are clearly buying into our vision to take their club forward.

“We now have the close season to work incredibly hard to ensure that, come springtime and the new speedway season, we are ready with an entertainment product and on-track team which our fans and sponsors will stand behind — and encourage others to experience too.

“Glasgow Tigers have entertained generations of Glaswegians since 1946 and we want that to continue for a long, long time to come.

“There really is no better live sporting spectacle than watching, from just feet away, speedway riders racing their bikes – without brakes – and to enjoy the sound and smells associated. It’s so atmospheric, it’s exciting and it’s family suited - we must ensure that we sell that.

“Gordon and I, and our backroom team have already worked hard to get us to this launch stage. Now the real hard work will begin. It’s an exciting time for all at the club, the journey starts here and now."

Alun Biggart is expected to take up his place representing Glasgow after being introduced to, and interviewed by, BSPA officials at the sport’s annual conference early next month.

Meanwhile, the Tigers beat the Redcar Bears 49-39 in the Premier League Challenge Trophy at Ashfield on Sunday. 

Tigers were well served by a superb 15 point maximum from guest Sam Masters and a 13 point return from stand-in skipper James Grieves.

Former Tiger Kevin Doolan top scored for the visitors with 11 points.

The next home match at Ashfield is the re-arranged match against the Berwick Bandits on Sunday 21st October with a 4pm start.