MILDENHALL Fen Tigers captain Shaun Tacey has “taken on the chin” his release from the West Row team.Tacey was given the news on Tuesday by Mildenhall promoter Mick Horton, that he was being dropped from the side.

By Mike Bacon

MILDENHALL Fen Tigers captain Shaun Tacey has “taken on the chin” his release from the West Row team.

Tacey was given the news on Tuesday by Mildenhall promoter Mick Horton, that he was being dropped from the side. But the former Workington rider bears no grudges.

“I've taken it on the chin because that is the sort of bloke I am,” Tacey said. “I understand Mick Horton has been getting a lot of flak, both on fans' forums and at trackside, about me and the team and decisions he has made.

“He felt he had to make a decision about changing the team and I said to him 'Mick just say if you want me to go.'

“It has been a very frustrating season up to now for me and yet I don't know why. I have ridden for Mildenhall in the Premier League and yet can't seem to get the points I should be.

“And then I ride for Arena Essex in the Elite League at Ipswich on Good Friday and score a paid 10, I think it was.”

Tacey was made captain of the Fen Tigers this season as they ventured back into the Premier League after a gap of some 14 years. His fun personality makes him a natural leader off track, but on track it just hasn't worked for him this season.

“I've got seven engines and six bikes and I've spent nearly £15,000 on equipment,” Tacey continued. “And yet no matter what I've tried, it just hasn't worked at Mildenhall.”

Horton meanwhile has drafted in Eastbourne's Andrew Moore as Tacey's replacement.

“It's a very tough decision and one that hurts me deeply to make but in the best interests of the team's chances this season, I felt it was one I had to make,” said Horton.

“Shaun is a gentleman, everyone liked him but he simply was struggling to get to grips with his performances and hopefully a change of track will do him good. I wish him all the very best for the future.”

The replacement of Moore is one that will certainly excite the West Row fans. The 23-year-old from Lincoln joins the Fen Tigers on a 7.76 average and will continue to double up with Eastbourne where he has been struggling in the No. 2 berth and from next month will switch to one of the reserve positions.

He spent the entire season last year with the Eagles in the top flight, returning a 4.78 league average after a successful three years in the Premier League with his parent club Sheffield, winning the league and cup double in 2003.

Moore is handed the No. 5 position with Daniel King reverting to No. 3. Horton is currently consulting his riders on who will take over Tacey's skipper role.

Tacey has been assured his testimonial meeting, scheduled for Sunday, September 10 at West Row, will remain on the calendar.

Mildenhall entertain Somerset on Sunday.