By Adam Summers - Dorset Echo

Weymouth Wildcats boss Phil Bartlett refused to give anything away when asked whether he is on the verge of signing Poole Pirates mascot Brendan Johnson. The 15-year-old impressed for Oxford in his debut season this year but with the Cheetahs being strongly linked with a switch to the Premier League next term, he is expected to take his career elsewhere in 2008. But Bartlett would not comment on the speculation, keeping his cards firmly to his chest.

By Adam Summers - Dorset Echo

Weymouth Doonan Wildcat Sam Hurst will not be returning to the Wessex Stadium next season. The 18-year-old has called time on his speedway career and instead has decided to focus on his apprenticeship as a commercial vehicle mechanic. Hurst took up the sport in 2003 and spent three years at Newport before moving to the Wildcats where he instantly became a hit due to his never-say-die attitude and immense bravery.

By Adam Summers - Dorset Echo

Weymouth Doonan Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett believes Australian Jay Herne should "double up" next season in-order to continue his development in British speedway. The Poole Pirate shot to fame last season when he joined the Wildcats on loan and marked his arrival in the UK with a fabulous 21-point maximum on his debut against Plymouth at the Wessex Stadium on June 16. The 23-year-old went on to prove he was not just a flash in the pan by producing consistent performances both home and away for the remainder of the season which resulted in him being named the Conference outfit's best newcomer.

By Dorset Echo

Ex-Weymouth Wildcats' top gun Chris Johnson will receive treatment from top speedway injury specialist Brian Simpson, as he starts his bid for recovery. Johnson suffered a shattered kneecap, a badly broken thigh, a broken pelvis and severe blood loss in the horror smash at King's Lynn on October 12. The 20-year-old is believed to have come through his latest operation successfully, which saw doctors graft fibia bone and use it to sure up his broken thigh.

By Dorset Echo

Stricken former Weymouth Wildcat Chris Johnson has had to overcome another operation, before his recovery from an horrific crash at King's Lynn can begin. The 21-year-old suffered a shattered kneecap, a badly broken thigh and a broken pelvis after falling in heat 14 of the Isle of Wight's clash at the Norfolk Arena on October 12. He has already gone under the knife several times and was recently transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for specialist treatment on his pelvis. Doctors are now waiting for the swelling to go down on this, before they can carry out a bone graft.

By Adam Summers - Dorset Echo

Lee Smart was presented with the prestigious Dorset Echo Rider of the Year Trophy at Weymouth Doonan Wildcats' annual presentation evening. The end-of-season celebration, which was held at Weymouth Rugby Club, also saw Terry Day pick up the Most Improved Rider Award, Jay Herne grab the Best Newcomer Award and Craig Wright and Malcolm Smart share the Clubman of the Year Award. Smart, who also landed the Website Rider of the Year, topped the Conference club's averages despite also turning out for Birmingham Brummies in the Premier League.