Sugar returns as Reading team manager.

Reading Speedway's team manager Ivan Shears has taken the decision to stand down from the job due to work and personal commitments. Former Racers manager Tim Sugar has been temporarily standing in for Shears for the past few weeks, and has now accepted the invitation to take on the
role on a full-time basis.

Reading promoter Pat Bliss was obviously sorry to lose Ivan (son of Racers co-promoter Chris Shears), but was delighted that former boss Sugar has taken over the reins, she said, "We're glad to have Tim back and we're looking forward to working with him once again.

"Hopefully he can lead us to as many successes as we had in his last reign as team Manager."

Sugar led the club to numerous honours in his 14-year stint at the helm, including three league titles, having first taken on the role in 1988.

Sugar stood down once at the end of the 1999 season with former Racers skipper Dave Mullett taking over. However he was soon back and took over from Mullett when the rider returned to racing after a year out injured towards the end of the 2000 season. Sugar carried on as Racers team manager for another twelve months until the end of the 2001 season, but cited increasing work commitments as for finally giving up speedway management at the end of that season.

Sugar said at that time, "After a break I may feel I would like to return to team management should an opportunity arise."

Well that opportunity has now arisen......