NEWCASTLE have made an unexpected change at the team manager’s position where referee Darren Hartley (pictured) will be stepping into the hotseat.
Hartley will stand down as a match official in order to take up the post of Diamonds manager, replacing the recently appointed Jason Pipe. Club owner Rob Grant said: “We're delighted to be bringing Darren into this vital role in Newcastle Speedway and it’s amazing that he has relinquished his career as a fine and distinguished referee to take on this new role. “He's a great choice as he naturally knows the rulebook inside out, so tactically gives us the edge. He also knows the riders very well indeed and therefore will have a great rapport with the lads in the pits and get the best out of them on the track. “We want to wish Jason Pipe all the very best for the future and thank him sincerely for taking on the role earlier in the winter, but it was unfortunate that unforeseen circumstances led us to make the change we have.”
