SPEEDWAYA BAND of Wightlink Islanders speedway club shareholders have been thwarted in their plan to take over the side.
The unknown group were looking to take control of the club over the current board of directors but, at an emergency general meeting last week, their proposal was overturned by a huge majority vote.
Almost 100 shareholders voted to keep the existing board of directors, with around 15 voting in favour of the new group.
Co-promoter Dave Pavitt told the County Press: "It was a storm in a teacup."
The club’s management are now pressing ahead with their plans for the forthcoming season in the National Development League (NDL).
This week, they announced that Dean Felton, who joined the club as cover for Brendan Johnson after his horror crash last year, will be back to ride alongside him in this year’s team.
Dean is an experienced rider, holding the record for the most appearances at the third level of British speedway league racing and a solid points scorer at NDL level.
Meanwhile, there was welcome news for fans that Brendan Johnson, who returns to this country from Australia at the end of this month, has declared himself fit and raring to go for the new season.
Brendan had a couple of practice outings at Gillman Speedway near Adelaide after last Saturday’s South Australian title meeting and finished well clear of the two meeting reserves on both occasions.
Brendan said: "It was a fantastic feeling being back in the saddle again."