Kurtz proud to stay on as Aces skipper

BRADY Kurtz says he’s honoured to be given the captain’s armband once again after confirming his return to the ATPI Aces, where he will lead the team as their skipper for the third season.

Kurtz will spearhead the side along with World No.7 Dan Bewley, who were both announced at the club’s annual Christmas Cracker last month.

It was a tough end to the season for the ATPI Aces after their heroic fightback against Ipswich for a place in the Premiership Grand Final ended with a last-heat decider going against them.

But despite the heartbreak, Kurtz says his side can be proud of their accomplishment in finishing top of the league table and is adamant they will bounce back next year.

He said: “It was hugely disappointing to have worked so hard and just missed out.

We will be looking at a few things at where we went wrong last year and try to improve that for the coming year.

“But we have a similar team so hopefully we can carry our form straight into March. There’s no reason why we can’t be at the top again and if pick up where we left off, we’ll start in a pretty good spot.

“Obviously we’re all going to need to improve a bit if we are going to push the strong teams. I think we will be there or thereabouts that’s for sure.”

The popular Aussie has become a firm favourite with the Belle Vue fans since joining the club in 2021, and Kurtz himself has really bought into the Mancunian lifestyle.

He said: “I’m something of a local now! Manchester is a great place, and Belle Vue is the place I want to be, so it just made sense for me.”