STEWART DICKSON paid an emotional tribute to his dad after taking up the reins as new Berwick team boss.
He immediately outlined his plans to push the FTS Bandits up the table after an injury-strewn 2023 campaign which left them second from bottom in the Cab Direct Championship.
Dickson had doubled-up as Leicester and Birmingham boss last season and will continue with the Lions in the Sports Insure Premiership.
Dickson was a regular spectator as a kid at Berwick alongside his late father who asked for his ashes to be scattered at his favourite spot on the seafront at Spittal, less than a mile from the Berwick track.
He revealed: “It was his favourite location when we came down to the caravan parks every year and he would also take us to the speedway at Berwick on the Saturday night.
“I’ve known both the Courtney lads Scott and Jamie a considerable time along with their dad, Mark and uncle, Sean, and have always had a great relationship with them.
“I always knew that I would be involved in Berwick at some point in my career and I can assure the Bandits fans that this appointment is no second choice or best to Leicester. I’ll be giving my all for both clubs.
“I know the reason they are bringing me in. We have to get away from the foot of the table next season.
“What Scott and Jamie do for the club is unrivalled, but they need someone to manage the team allowing them to concentrate on promoting the club and keeping the ship sailing on race nights and behind the scenes.”
Steven Dews and Gary Flint will continue as promoters at Shielfield Park with Kevin Little, who along with Scott Courtney shared team management duties for much of last season, will return to his coaching role at the club along with kick-starting the club’s youth progression system alongside Academy boss Colin Easton.
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.