LEICESTER boss Stewart Dickson returns to duties today (Monday) ahead of the sport’s AGM which is set to rubber-stamp the club’s return to the Premiership.
Dickson, who missed the recent Grand Final clash with Poole due to illness, will represent the Lions on Tuesday alongside fellow co-promoter Marc Bates as arrangements are put in place for the 2023 season.
And with one campaign having just ended, Dickson has thanked all those involved in a memorable year as the Lions topped the Championship table, going unbeaten at home throughout, whilst the Lion Cubs completed a superb National Development League/KO Cup double.
Dickson said: “I’d like to thank all the riders for their efforts in 2022, and to be cruelly denied the chance to have the second leg of the Grand Final on their home track through no fault of their own must have been very disappointing for them.
“Would we have pulled back the eight points at home? Nobody will ever know, but it would have been nice to have had a go at the Paul Chapman & Sons Arena. That said, we congratulate Poole on being play-off winners for 2022.
“Massive congratulations to Dave Howard and the Lion Cubs, who have achieved success along with the introduction of several young riders, which is what the NDL is all about for us.
“Our thanks to our main team sponsors Watling JCB and all our other sponsors, without whom the club would struggle to survive – we are grateful to them all, and to Leigh Rose for backing the Lion Cubs throughout the season.
“To our track staff and stewards who turn up week in, week out, thanks for keeping the wheels turning on a weekly basis, and thanks to all the volunteers behind the scenes who do a fantastic job.
"Also a big thanks for the supporters, and I really feel for them as well that we weren't able to stage our leg of the Final at home. They were tremendous both home and away, and if there's one meeting I remember in particular it's when we won at Oxford and the number of Leicester people there was just incredible."
Whilst the Lions’ planning for 2023 has already commenced in earnest, the AGM will confirm the points limit and other associated rules and regulations for next year, and the club will make further announcements as and when appropriate.
