GB jobs for Lynch and Loram

Loram: coaching role

We're not as bad as the doom merchants have made out.

New Great Britain manager Jim Lynch
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Jim Lynch has agreed a one-year contract to become manager of Great Britain's speedway team.

Lynch, a former Reading and Peterborough boss, is part of a revamped set up that also sees former world champion Mark Loram included in the under 21 coaching structure.

The plan is for Loram to work alongside Isle of Wight boss Dave Croucher and former Wolverhampton rider Graham Jones to develop young talent under the guidance of co-ordinator Graham Reeve.

"We're delighted with the new management structure and particularly pleased to have Mark Loram on board," British Speedway chairman Peter Toogood told www.british-speedway.co.uk.

"He's part of a team structure to coach the youngsters which suits him fine because he's got to have more treatment on his leg and can't commit to a full-time situation.

"Jim is the man for the senior job, he's desperate to do it and is adopting a very positive attitude.

"He will take the team into the World Cup this summer and we wish him well."

Lynch commented: "This is a very proud moment for me and I'm really looking forward to getting on with the job.

"Neil Middleditch did a superb job for the national team and he's already wished me well.

"I'll be talking to Scott Nicholls to establish whether he would like to remain as skipper and I hope he will.

"We have to be positive, both at senior and under 21 level. Reading some of the recent comments we're almost talking ourselves into defeat.

"We have some good riders and we aim to make the best use of our resources.

"We also have some riders who have to take that extra step forward, like David Howe and Simon Stead. We're not as bad as the doom merchants have made out."

Loram operation

Loram told Sky Sports News that his involvement with the under 21s will be limited to begin with as he is set to undergo surgery on the leg he injured while riding for the Ipswich Witches last March.

But he hopes to eventually take a hands-on style to the job and has not ruled out a return to competitive action for himself at some point in 2008.

"I'm going in for surgery at the end of the month and may be a bit limited as to what I can do at the beginning," he said.

"But, certainly, at a later date I hope to become more active

"I'm not discounting it (riding competitively in 2008) but it does depend on if the operation goes well - there is a 70 percent chance that my leg will be back to full fitness within six months.

"I'd like to be in a situation where I can actually get on a bike and ride with the youngsters."

On Lynch's appointment, he added: "Jim's got an extensive background in speedway and is a likeable person.

"Most of the boys will know him already and he'll be a great motivator."