Sports awards: Inspirational Atkin helped get Potters back on track

TONY Atkin believes his delight at riding for Stoke Eazy Rider Potters again inspired him to one of the best seasons of his speedway career.

Atkin had last ridden a full season for Stoke in 2002, going on loan to Newport for the following two seasons before making the deal permanent.

But the 45-year-old had always kept the Chesterton-based club close to his heart, making regular visits to their Loomer Road track as a fan.

And after financial issues persuaded Stoke to drop down to the National League for the 2011 season, Atkin was delighted to be asked to be at the heart of the rebuilding process as skipper of the new-look Potters.

He guided young riders such as Jaimie Pickard, James Sarjeant and Simon Lambert through a stunning campaign in which Stoke won the National Pairs, finished top of the National League table at the end of the regular season and reached the Knockout Cup final.

Along the way, the veteran skipper defied the odds to improve his own average from 7.78 to 8.68.

He said: "I started watching Stoke in 1982 and have been riding for them on and off since 1986. They've always been my team, always been the one I've followed.

"When I went to watch them on Saturday nights in 2010 when they were in the Premier League it was a bit of a shambles.

"I thought it was a wise decision to drop to the National League, taking a step back to go forwards.

"To get a chance to come back as captain was a great honour, and I won the British Open Ice title at Telford in February because I was feeling so good about the move.

"It's normal to be improving your average when you're young, but to be doing it when you've been going for as long as I have is a fantastic feeling."

The Eazy Rider Potters eventually missed out in the play-offs to Mildenhall, then suffered heartbreak again in the Knockout Cup to the same opposition.

Atkin said: "I was carrying an injury for the last month, but rode through the pain because I wanted to do so well for Stoke.

"I've loved the responsibility of being captain – it's been one of the most enjoyable seasons I've ever had. I feel like I'm making the most of it all.

"Now it's important we carry on building as a club. We have to keep moving forward, and there is a buzz around the place which suggests that we will. I can't wait."

Atkin has been nominated in the Senior Individual category of TheSentinel/City of Stoke-on-Trent Sports Personality of the Year awards by Stoke promoter Dave Tattum.

He said: "Tony steadied the ship. We introduced a lot of young riders and we needed someone with experience to lead the way.

"He's such a good character to have at the club.

"He's been there and done almost everything there is to do in speedway and he always knows what's coming around the corner.

"He's kept us all together at times when we have faltered. There were moments when we hit a tough patch and could have fallen, but he was an inspiration to succeed."

PETER SMITH