SHEFFIELD bosses have gone into some detail to explain the situation regarding the on-off signing of James Birkinshaw.

Birkinshaw was surprisingly axed from Birmingham’s team at the weekend and as a result was in discussions regarding a possible return to Owlerton to ride again for the Tigers.

However, the 28-year-old has since decided to take some time out from the sport and will now sit out the remainder of the 2008 season.

Tigers boss Neil Machin explained the sequence of events: “On Sunday James agreed to join us as a short-term replacement for Lee Smethills and I submitted a revised team to the BSPA on Monday so that he could represent Sheffield on Thursday against Berwick.

“James also made a press statement confirming his intention to join us.

“On Wednesday James informed me that his confidence was at an all time low and wished to withdraw from our team, citing his treatment by Birmingham as the underlying reason.

“He also made it very clear that he would not ride again this season, if ever at all, and again cited his despondency with the sport as the reason.”

Birkinshaw’s decision has come as a blow to the Tigers team plans, but the club fully sympathise with his situation

Co-promoter David Hoggart added: “James’s premature retirement is a blow and we are naturally disappointed having worked so hard to get him a team place this year. Never the less, we will always wish him well.”

The guest for this evenings clash with the Bandits is John Oliver.