Cats rescued (From Dorset Echo)

Cats rescued

9:07am Tuesday 12th January 2010 in

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WEYMOUTH Wildcats’ chairman Phil Bartlett is targeting top spot in the National League after the Cats were saved by Weyline taxis.

The Radipole Lane outfit was in danger of folding, with its future reliant on the management team being able to find a new main sponsor by January 24 after Doonans and Wessex Bus had withdrawn their support – which came to a five-figure sum.

However, Weyline have come to the Cats’ rescue by agreeing to become the club’s main benefactor.

And Bartlett, who also acts as the club’s promoter, has hailed the taxi firm’s intervention. He said: “They will be putting in a fantastic amount of support which is brilliant. Hopefully with Weyline’s help we will be back on top spot this year after finishing second last season.

“Ultimately their input has saved the club and put us back on track. It’s the best news we could have had.

“Other areas of advertising are being sorted as well so it’s all going in the right direction.

“The team will be racing in team suits as well, as opposed to just team bibs, and there is a real feel-good factor around the place now.”

Ian Ferguson, co-owner and managing director of Weyline, is proud to give his backing to yet another of the town’s sporting outfits – following the company’s shirt and stand sponsorship at Weymouth Football Club.

He said: “I was introduced to Phil last year and we put an advert in the club’s programme. We spoke about changing our sponsorship for this year and when they lost their main sponsor, Phil approached me and asked if we would be interested.

“As a company we came to Weymouth because we really like the place and we have the opportunity to help support the community.

“We appreciate our customers and we want to put something back into the town. We support all manner of things in Weymouth as I believe it’s what businesses should do.

“I’ve been to speedway once before but it’s not about my likes or dislikes, it’s the fact that a lot of local people enjoy their speedway and speedway needs the support of local businesses.

“Phil is very passionate about his speedway and he’s a good guy to deal with.”

Meanwhile, with little more than two weeks to go until all team line-ups must be declared, Bartlett, who has already secured four names on next season’s teamsheet, is keen to complete the Wildcats’ squad in the near future.

He said: “We should be concluding the team very shortly.”