Personally, I'd invite the rider to some sort of meeting and discuss the matter. It'd seem the most professional way and also keep options open for the future. A phone call could go down as acceptable depending on how it comes across but a simple text message or publicising it before the rider is even informed is definitely the worst way
Danny Bird was a lot more serious as I think he was taking amphetamines (If I remember correctly) which makes you more aggressive which then caused the altercation with Richie Hawkins who was riding for Workington at the time.
Most likely I think Steve would've most likely had alcohol or THC (from cannabis) which of course is still a problem but THC can stay in your system for a while, but I don't know the details of the whole situation
Plus Steve is also only in the National League so he isn't exactly doing this full time so I couldn't personally see him returning because he's also no spring chicken but then again neither are the likes of Paul Hurry and Tony Atkin
Getting rid of Jan was a bad move in my opinion. Sure he won't be hitting the double figures but as seen last season if you give him a place and let him stay there then he can come good as a hard-hitting reserve or even a number 2 which could also move Kurtz into a number 4 role where he should be (imo)
I assume it'll most likely be a Berwick rider. Close, recently rode however potential low confidence due to back to back losses. If not Berwick perhaps Redcar
Maybe 2 divisions.
Division one - The clubs that can just about get by
Division two - The teams that struggle more than most
Perhaps even have the Northern and Southern tours too for some teams
Also was thinking for the division two they could run 5/6 man teams to lessen the amount of money being paid and still run only 1 less heat
Money talks and I'm sure there would be at least a handful of riders if not more that could be approached. I'm not saying it should happen but if it was then it could be possible