FOLLOWING weeks of discussions Arena Essex are delighted to announce that Len Silver will be part of their backroom team next season.

Rye House promoter Silver, who also promoted at Hackney in the 1980s, joins the Hammers as their Speedway consultant with the brief to assist new owner Stuart Douglas with speedway matters relating to Arena Essex.

He said: "I would like to see a healthy Arena Essex in speedway. It'll be good for the sport and I also feel it will be mutually beneficial if speedway in Essex is popular again.

"I must stress that in no way am I involved in any financial affairs at Arena Essex and contrary to reports I am not the co-promoter. All I will do is to advise Stuart in whatever he needs to do to make Arena Essex Speedway a success.

"I believe that the club have found the perfect man to take them onto a new level. However, he will need the backing of his loyal band of supporters, as well as the new breed of fans he is hoping to attract, if he is to succeed.

"I would just like to re-assure the fans of Rye House that in no way would this new commitment with Arena Essex effect my existing business at Rye House. The Rockets are my number one priority and always will be."

Owner Douglas added: "Len is arguably the most experienced promoter in Britain, and is universally recognised as an honest businessman and a great bloke. He was my first promoter as a fan down at Rayleigh in the early 1970s and it was almost like coming home'' getting Len on board."

Meanwhile Finnish International Joonas Kylmakorpi agreed terms over the weekend.

The 26 year old returns after an impressive season which ended with him at the top of Hammers' averages and now becomes Douglas' first acquisition.

Kylmakorpi said: "There had been a lot of interest from other clubs since the season finished but when I spoke with Stuart, there was never any question that I would be back at Arena.

"He has a vision for this club and I want to be part of it."