LAKESIDE Hammers management team returned from the Sport’s Annual AGM reasonably happy despite the fact that Speedway’s bosses at Elite League level have yet to finalise the Leagues finer points for the 2011 season.

LAKESIDE Hammers management team returned from the Sport’s Annual AGM reasonably happy despite the fact that Speedway’s bosses at Elite League level have yet to finalise the Leagues finer points for the 2011 season.

Co Promoter Jon Cook , an AGM veteran, said: “The Sport at Elite level obviously has to exist within the new cloud of financial austerity hanging over the Country and to that end we are talking over such a range of topics that a further meeting will be required. That said, the League is also keen to work on a long term expansion plan to rise to 10 and then 12 clubs over the next few seasons and to that end the arrival of Birmingham into the Elite League in 2011 will be watched with interest.

“We are determined to play our part in growing the League and happy to confirm our place in the Sport’s top League for seasons to come.” On the loss of local rivals Ipswich Cook commented: “ It’s a shame to see the Witches go. We have had some great wins at Foxhall and we wish them all the best down at the lower level”.

Cook was joined initially at the Conference by Co Promoter Stuart Douglas, before he departed for South Africa on a filming assignment, and then by General Manager Alan Sargent, who has been rewarded by the duo for his unstinting efforts behind the scenes with an honorary Promoter’s license.