CHRIS Harris feels he is part of the furniture at Coventry Bees after committing his future to the Brandon-based club for the 2016 Elite League season.
The 32-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a new contract which will take him into his eleventh campaign with the club.
Since joining the asset base at Brandon in 2004, Harris has ridden for the Bees in every season with the exception of loan spells at Belle Vue in 2011 and Birmingham in 2013.
Having won three league titles in his first stint with the club, he has captained the Bees to play-off qualification in each of the last two seasons, and 2015 was arguably his most consistent yet.
Harris has become one of the most popular riders ever to wear Coventry colours and, after being frustrated by the weather earlier this year, his long-awaited testimonial meeting will now take place on March 20, 2016.
“It’s great to be back,” said Harris. “I’ve been part of the furniture at Coventry for many years and I’m looking forward to being captain again.
“I’ve been discussing my ideas for the team with Mick (Horton), we’ve had many texts going between us, and also Chris Anderson who helps sort my deals out so I don’t have to stress about things!
“I’ve always said I wanted to be riding for Coventry when I’m holding my Testimonial. I feel it would be unfair to hold it there if I was at another club, and I’ve always had such great support from the fans there over the years.
“It’s been a roller-coaster career for me, and it didn’t start off the best all those years ago, but things have got better and better and I felt this year was my best one in Coventry colours.
“Now I want to come back next year and have an even better season, and I can assure everyone that with the hard work being put in behind the scenes if it doesn’t come off it won’t be for the want of trying.”
Bees promoter Mick Horton said Harris was one of the major keys to his team building plans and was ‘absolutely delighted’ to have him back.
He added: “He was our Rider of the Year and he was a fantastic captain, something he proved both on and off the track, and he still remains the big favourite at Brandon.”
Harris joins reserve duo James Sarjeant and Josh Bates as confirmed starters for the bees ew season, and further news is expected in the near future.
