TATUM’S TRUTH ON TURBULENT SEASON

KELVIN Tatum, one of the highest profile signings in Berwick’s illustrious history, is set to spill the beans on one of the club’s most remarkable seasons.

Back in 1991 ambitious plans were revealed for the unfashionable Berrington Lough outfit to join the top level of the sport.

Swedish superstar Jimmy Nilsen was brought in alongside England World Cup winning skipper Tatum to spearhead the side.

Sadly, it didn’t work out financially and the club faced a turbulent time with Tatum effectively going on strike over unpaid wages which caused unrest in the Bandits dressing room.

Writing in his new autobiography ‘Tales from the Top Drawer’, Tatum said: “It wasn’t very pleasant and I ended up getting some money, but not all of it which was a real shame. I feel for the fans back then, they were the ones who got hurt because this man (club promoter Terry Lindon) gave them something they couldn’t quite believe, a top, top team in the top league in the world with established international riders.

“The people up there are wonderful people and they were the ones who really got shafted. It was hard on them and very cruel and I felt for them.”

Tatum admits he enjoys his visits to Shielfield Park these days and is pleased to see the club in safe hands.

“It’s a good club these days,” he said. “The Courtneys are passionate and innovative and they have a super Supporters Club with proper people who live life to the full and support their team. It’s always great to go there.”

Tatum’s book, priced £15, is available to pre-order now for December delivery from Berwick’s programme publishers at curtis-sport.com