Coventry's reputation key - Allen

Olly Allen became a full asset of Bees ahead of last season

Coventry Bees rider Olly Allen has admitted the club's reputation was a key factor in his decision to spend a fourth season at Brandon.

"Coventry are a club that are renowned in speedway for always challenging for titles," the 26-year-old told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire.

"I wouldn't sign for a team that has no intention of trying to win the league."

Allen and Rory Schlein are the only two riders so far confirmed for Bees ahead of the 2009 season.

During his time at Brandon, Allen has helped Coventry secure an historic treble in 2007. This year he was named as the club's rider of the year as Bees retained the Craven Shield.

And the former Swindon Robins rider, who has been granted a testimonial for his services to both Coventry and Robins, is confident Bees will be challenging for trophies again.

He continued: "I believe there are some teams out there that build a team and there's no way they can think that team's going to win.

"Coventry aren't like that and if they're putting a team together that wants to challenge for the title then I'm happy to be there regardless of who those riders are."