BIRMINGHAM CEO Nigel Tolley admitted he left Perry Barr a proud man after a near perfect return to top flight racing.
The Curtis Sport Brummies took a point from their home opener against reigning champions Sheffield – but it could’ve been more.
Whilst they did record a more than credible draw, they did let a ten point lead slip before also missing out on the extra league point up for grabs in the Super Heat.
Nevertheless, Tolley remained upbeat and reckons his riders sent out a message to their doubters.
“I don’t think many people outside Birmingham would’ve anticipated that result,” he said.
“I think we’ve given a lot of people a lot to think about and just as we did at Oxford, we’ve shown that we are more than capable of competing in this league.
“It was a strange feeling at the end because it was almost like conceding a last minute goal in football when you’ve been ahead since the first minute.
“And whilst there were some disappointed faces around I think we need to look at the bigger picture.
“We gave the champions a major scare and when we got those three 5-1s in the first four races, we gave them a big wake up call.
“We’re showing some very encouraging, early signs and whilst we know there’s a long season in front of us, I think it bodes well for Brummies and I’m feeling very proud right now.”
Tolley has also praised the paying public who responded positively to the first top flight fixture in the Second City in almost a decade.
“The crowd was fantastic,” Tolley said.
“No real surprise I guess, but it was the biggest since we took over the club and long may it continue.
“The Brummies fans were out in force, the Sheffield supporters travelled in strong numbers as always, it was great to see so many Wolverhampton fans too – as well as a few neutrals from other tracks!
“So we really can’t complain and if only we could’ve somehow held on to that win, it would’ve been the perfect night all-round.”
The Brummies hit the road again this Thursday (March 28, 7.30) as they travel to 2023 runners-up Ipswich.
BIRMINGHAM 45: Leon Flint 9, Vaclav Milik 8+1, Tom Brennan 8+1, Scott Nicholls 7+2, Zach Cook 5+2, Steve Worrall 5+1, Wiktor Lampart 3.
SHEFFIELD 45: Tai Woffinden 15+1, Jack Holder 9, Josh Pickering 8, Kyle Howarth 5+2, Chris Holder 4, Jason Edwards 3+1, Dan Gilkes 1.
Sheffield beat Birmingham 7-2 in Super Heat.
