Daniel Blake has sprung a surprise on Kent Kings by announcing his retirement from speedway.

Blake was only two matches into his comeback after three-and-a-half years out of the sport but has decided to quit.

In a phone call to boss John Sampford, he admitted finding the going tough with modest means at his disposal.

He'd been struggling for time and finances and with his bike badly off the pace at Leicester last weekend, the former Sittingbourne Crusader felt it was time to retire.

Kings boss Sampford was disappointed but said: "It will give us an opportunity to blood a newcomer and we have one or two good prospects to pick from."

A decision on Blake's replacement will be made after Kings' press and practice day at Central Park on Monday evening.