Eastbourne Eagles' future remains uncertain - but wait for verdict goes on

Eastbourne Eagles in action against Plymouth last month / Picture: Mike Hinves

News had been expected today after the Eagles last week outlined cashflow problems they were working to address.

This evening (Tuesday) they posted on Twitter: "We have been asked by the BSPL Management Committee not to make any detailed statement today, as we planned. We remain in constant contact and communication with the Management Committee and they have requested us to make no further comment while various options and avenues are considered.

"Whilst we are sure that this is frustrating for you, our supporters, it is a protocol we have to follow. Further detailed updates will follow as soon as possible."

It comes in a difficult period for Eagles, whose income has been hit in a season affected by weather abandonments and other problems.

Last week they issued this statement: "Following a statement from the club after the most recent home fixture on the 31st July v the Plymouth Gladiators, expressing concerns about crowd figures, the Directors and Management of Eastbourne Speedway have been working on solutions to resolve cash flow and funding issues, that have affected the club due to much lower than anticipated match receipts and revenues from mid-July onwards.

"We are working with the BSPL (British Speedway Promoters Limited) and the SCB (Speedway Control Bureau) to evidence and comply with requirements going forwards and remain confident of a medium and long-term solution.

"We are working hard to ensure that late and overdue payments are fulfilled as soon as possible and to secure the immediate future to get us to the end of the 2021 season and hopefully beyond. We are fully committed to honouring all outstanding financial commitments in the coming weeks.

"We have been unable to meet a financial deadline request at this time from the BSPL and SCB and have regrettably had to postpone our next planned fixture v the Redcar Bears on Saturday 21 August. The postponement will ultimately help us with our ongoing recovery plans without risk of any further deterioration in our financial position.

"We will refund within 24 hours, the small number of online tickets purchased for the fixture v Redcar. We expect to make a fuller statement on Tuesday 24th August, regarding future plans."

That statement followed one issued on August 5 which was the first public indication they were up against it.