BIRMINGHAM have handed teenager Joe Thompson a reserve berth at Perry Barr "“ only a week after he was released by Scunthorpe.
Thompson was dropped by the Scorpions as part of a team reshuffle but was not without a Championship team place for long as the Brummies moved quickly to land his signature. The 19-year-old has already visited Perry Barr twice this season with Scunthorpe, posting scores of 5+1 and 9+1, and will replace the struggling Ty Proctor in the Birmingham ranks. Team manager Laurence Rogers said: "Firstly, we'd like to thank Ty. He helped us out during the winter when we were searching for our final rider, he dedicated himself to the team role behind the scenes and he spent a lot of money on different bits and pieces. "By his own admission though, he's been struggling quite a bit and at the end of the day, we have to do what is best for the club "“ particularly with the league getting underway next week. "When we spoke during the winter, Ty had already said that if he needed to be replaced, he would accept it and be understanding of why "“ and full credit to him, he took the news pretty well and we genuinely do wish him all the best. "As for Joe, I get that it was a numbers game with Scunthorpe but I was shocked they released him based on his performances so far this season. "He's ridden brilliantly against us twice already "“ now we need him to come in and produce something very similar with the Brummies race-jacket on!"
