Don't think he was plan B, cos apparently he was signed very early on. He was more likely a remnant of the 38 total team.  The key to his success will be getting his machinery sorted & maintained, not beyond the wit of man. Maybe finances have been an issue, or possibly misplaced faith in his spanner person. 

you wold think not from a 15 yr old schoolboy  ! so if master Cairns does not live up to the promise  , ur screwed .

FORMER title winner Darryl Ritchings has opted to ride for Birmingham as part of their National Development Trophy team in his comeback campaign. The Wiltshire born racer is the first name confirmed for the Ductair Bulls’ side - the day after he was announced by Oxford in the third tier as he returns to shale racing for the first time in eight years. Ritchings was a part of the Brummies’ memorable 2016 team who won the National League and hasn’t raced competitively since he quit the sport part way through 2017. But whilst continuing with other motorsport disciplines whilst starting a family, he now has the speedway bug back and will be a very welcome face back at Perry Barr. Ductair Bulls team manager Laurence Rogers said: “I’ve known Darryl since he started racing and he attended my training schools at Newport initially. “He then rode for me for the Hornets and later Coventry Storm and he’s always been great to work with. “I saw him ride on the grass last year and we got talking and we recently discussed his comeback at the Speedway Show at Gaydon. “When we confirmed we were in the NDT, he was keen on coming back to Birmingham and it’s good to have him back. “With Oxford giving him a team spot in the NDL, he will be getting more track time which is just what he needs.” The Bulls are expected to name a second rider for their NDT side at Friday’s (December 13) BSSC Christmas Party at Aston Manor Cricket Club with full details available via the Birmingham Speedway Supporters Club Facebook page.    

Generally no, but there are exceptions. They can sign a valid contract if the contract is beneficial to them...

Something definitely went wrong with Poole team building, not like Poole to come in 0.96 under the points limit. Probably won't matter if Cairns lives up to expectation/hype.

I don't think a "letter of intent" is a legally binding agreement.