Kugelmann and Beriwck part company.

Kirkland Carpets' Berwick Bandits' boss, Peter Waite, had been hoping against hope to keep a hold on the German who had ridden so well for the Bandits this season, especially as he had, as expected all along, turned out for the club at home on Saturday and away at Glasgow on Sunday despite all the rumours, although his scoring power was notably down on what the Berwick fans had become accustomed to.

But come Monday morning Joachim Kugelmann had made his mind well and truly up and he was off - back to his native Germany, contacting the club and stating he would not be coming back to ride for Berwick again. As far as the rider was concerned he had left Berwick Speedway.

This has left a serious hole to fill for Waite who had not wanted to see Kugelmann go, saying, "I had not wanted Joachim to leave the club, but it's all his decision and he has taken it upon himself to leave us with immediate effect. He informed us he will not be riding for us again, and that's that. The last thing we wanted, but out hand has been forced.

"So now, with only 5 days to go before our next match I have to start the search yet again to bring in new blood, and despite all the rumours, I do not have a replacement in the pipeline, no, far from it in fact. This is going to be a major headache for me as there is no one popping up as yet. Joachim's decision to walk is causing real problems!"