Former captain Dave Mason is back on the Kent Kings speedway team – two months after he was sacked.

Mason rejoined the club as a coach at the end of June after clear-the-air talks with co-promoter Len Silver, who axed him after only two meetings.

The 31-year-old was surprised to be asked to ride again but is determined to help the struggling team pick up some points.

He said: “I was just off the beach when Len phoned and asked if I wanted to come back.

“I was shocked but I jumped at the chance. I work with a personal trainer and have kept myself in shape.

“It’s been such a strange year. To do all the publicity for the launch then get sacked and brought back in the space of a few months – you couldn’t make it up.

“Sacking me made no difference to results but the past is the past and I just want to help the team.

“I’m not saying I’m going to go in and work wonders but hopefully I can score a few points and the supporters will accept me coming back.

“The boys must be down. It’s demoralising losing match after match.”