Lanham out of Hammers 2009 squad

Lanham's future is uncertain after leaving Lakeside

Leigh Lanham will not be part of the 2009 Lakeside Hammers speedway team, squad manager Jon Cook has said.

The 31-year-old has spent 11 seasons at the South Essex club and won the British Under-21 Championship in 1997.

Cook said on the club's website: "Our only concern was for Leigh's feelings and to help him achieve a team place somewhere else."

Lanham, from Ipswich, previously rode for the Witches where he reached the World Under-21 final.

The rider told BBC Essex: "Anyone who works in the same place for 11 years, it's going to be quite a change."

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"These things happen and I've been lucky that I have been at Lakeside Hammers and thoroughly enjoyed myself."

Although there haven't been many trophies to talk about, Lanham's highlights include: "Riding for three different promotions and riding in the Premier League, I've just had some great times."