The Birmingham Brummies have been forced into another team change after one of their planned new signings suddenly became unavailable.

Last weekend the Brummies announced they were signing Manuel Hauzinger and Darren Mallett.

Mallett will not now be joining the Perry Barr-based side, citing work commitments for his withdrawal.

Instead the Brummies have added 22-year-old Londoner James Cockle to their line-up for the Premier League season.

The Brummies were keen to make changes after an awful Premier Trophy campaign in which they finished bottom of their group and won only two meetings out of 12.

I will add no further comment as I'm sure fans will reach their own conclusions Birmingham team manager Graham Drury

Their first Premier League fixture of the season is at home to Redcar on Wednesday 20 May. Hauzinger and Cockle will both ride, with Richard Sweetman moving to reserve.

Birmingham team manager Graham Drury was baffled by Mallett's sudden unavailability.

"Darren and I agreed everything at the weekend, he just had to check his availability for this Sunday's meeting because of work," said Drury.

"He confirmed he would be available, that was the only issue and everything was agreed and put in place for him to ride for us.

"Amazingly, just 20 minutes later, I received an e-mail from King's Lynn speedway saying he wouldn't be able to ride for us because of his work.

"I will add no further comment as I'm sure fans will reach their own conclusions."

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