Oxford in 2003 Elite League a 'real possibility'.

Oxford owner Steve Purchase is still unable to give the Oxford fans the Christmas present they are after, but he goes into the holiday period with increased confidence that there will be Speedway at Sandy Lane in 2003.

There is no concrete news on Oxford Speedway's immediate future however, Purchase is clearly more positive

"I have continued to spend a considerable amount of time trying to resolve the situation with the invaluable help of BSPA vice chairman Pete Toogood. I feel that the final solution cannot be far away now and that just about everything is in place and Pete should be commended for his efforts," Purchase explained.

"It's a very complex situation and things have taken longer than we hoped and I would ask the supporters to be a little more patient. Elite League speedway under 'new' promoter Nigel Wagstaff is a very real possibility and I would urge all Oxford fans to support Nigel in every and any way they can."

Whatever happens it is clear that the rider line up, regardless of league, will be very different in 2003. Steve advised the team back in September that they should potentially seek other clubs because of the intention to go Premier League.

Leigh Adams has signed for Poole whilst club skipper Steve Johnston has agreed terms with Belle Vue. Steve explained

"I have never stood in the way of a rider and it is getting to the time of year where they must do what is best for themselves, after all we all need to earn a living," added Purchase. "Leigh is not an Oxford asset, but it is still sad to see him go and I believe that Oxford under this promotion would always have been his first choice.

"As for Johno what can I say, he has been very loyal to myself and the Cheetahs, in my view he is the best skipper in the league. I guess its time to close a chapter in Oxford Speedway's history which is a touch sad but the important thing now is to look forwards and not back," Purchase concluded.