PANTHERS boss Rob Lyon insists there are no hard feelings towards Rohan Tungate – despite the Aussie taking a swipe at British promoters.
Tungate has signed deals in Europe and, with Poland restricting the amount of other leagues riders can sign up to, it means he can’t race for Peterborough.
He told Speedway Star magazine a lack of decisions by UK promoters left him with no choice but to move on.
Said Lyon: “We fully understand Rohan’s frustrations - in fact, we also share them.
“But at this point, not knowing where we will be in a couple of months’ time with the situation with Covid and restrictions on riders’ movements, it’s unfair to ask anyone to make a firm decision today.
“Equally, with the restrictions Poland have put on riders only being able to do a small number of leagues outside their own, Rohan has made the decision to race abroad where they can race behind closed doors for certain, as they did in 2020. British Speedway doesn’t have that option for a league season.
“We would like to wish Rohan all the best for 2021, and hopefully when situations allow for both parties we will see him back on these shores again in the future.”
Club promoters are meeting next Thursday - a week later than planned - for the sport’s AGM with tweaks needed as a consequence of the new Polish rules.
Panthers chiefs are pressing ahead with plans for a spring start at Alwalton and remain confident of tracking a team capable of challenging for honours.
Meanwhile Lyon is also keen to offer thanks to club sponsors Crendon Timber and City Auction Group for their support.