King's Lynn Stars boss Rob Lyon admits he's gutted that Simon Stead's season is over.

The 31-year-old crashed during a practice session at the Norfolk Arena on Tuesday night and was taken to the town's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

His and the club's worst fears were confirmed yesterday morning when it was announced he had broken his lower leg and ankle as a result of the accident. It's the latest blow during an injury-hit term for the rider, and a host of his team-mates, but Lyon says his immediate thoughts are simply with the popular Englishman.

He said: 'It's desperately disappointing. It was a fairly simple crash it seems but he's suffered a horrendous injury. It's terrible.

'We're all thinking of him and I know he'll be gutted. He's just had no luck this year. Contrary to some people's thoughts, Simon's not an erratic rider who suffers with lots of crashes. He's a safe old boy, he's been around a long time, and he knows what it's all about.

'We're not had lots of luck but we need to stay positive. We're still in the play-off hunt, our captain (Mads Korneliussen) is coming back soon, and if we can make it to the World Cup without any more problems we can re-group and still make it a successful season.'

Lyon recently said Lynn, who were in action last night against Swindon Robins, would be a stronger outfit if Stead enjoyed an injury-free spell.