PETERBOROUGH bosses will be keeping a close eye on crowds returning to football.

With the speedway season wiped out completely – Panthers’ 50th anniversary year – the club are already looking towards next year.

And with suggestions made at government level that some crowds could return to football in October, Crendon Panthers co-promoter Carl Johnson believes that will be significant for speedway going forward.

He said: “We’ve got to look forward to having it all up and running next year, and I really think football is going to dictate what happens.

“Once they start allowing crowds back into football stadiums, hopefully it’s going to help us and in good time for next season.

“Then it will be literally down to the supporters who come, naturally everyone will just need to be sensible and adhere to what protocols will be in place next spring when speedway starts up again.”

Johnson has praised both Crendon Timber and City Auction Group for their loyal support of the club.

Panthers are the only team in the UK with both a team sponsor and a club sponsor. Johnson said: “We thank both and all our loyal backers, we can’t do it without them.

“We are in a fortunate position from that perspective and I’d also like to thank all our supporters for their kind messages at this tough time for the sport.”