Aaron Lanney's first season in charge as a promoter has been tough to say the least.

But despite Cheetahs' disastrous start to the season, the south-coast businessman has remained upbeat and determined to make a go of things in a bid to cement the future of the club.

It's always difficult when a new face comes into speedway, especially when they have little or no assets and have to start afresh.

The top riders don't come cheap in this sport and subsequently Oxford doesn't boast a world class No 1 on which to build a team around.

The signing of Tony Rickardsson as a short-term measure was not the best move in the world by Lanney.

It backfired on him as the public did not turn out to see the six-times world champion in his last season in the Skybet Elite League, as Lanney would readily admit.

However, it's all part of a learning curve and a path Lanney is unlikely to tread in the future.

He has now made some changes to the team which on paper has a better balance to it.

But with Todd Wiltshire and Freddie Eriksson having hardly sat on a bike since Christmas, it will take time for the pair to 'bed' in.

But, I don't believe Lanney wil leave things as they are if there isn't a marked improvement as the new Green Sheet averages are announced in a few weeks time.

Lanney said: "The riders, sponsors and supporters will hopefully know by now that I am passionate about Oxford Speedway and will do everything in my powers to make this club great again.

"I am guilty of wearing my heart on my sleeve, but I believe in being as honest and open with the people around me as I can be.

"It was always going to be a tough season for us, but I am already encouraged by the messages of support I am getting from riders and officials of other clubs, who have seen what I am trying to do."