SWINDON will wait until 2021 to defend their league and cup double.

British Speedway bosses have pulled the plug on professional league racing in the UK after Boris Johnson’s announcements that fans can only return to stadia in October after pilot events.

The club have also confirmed they won’t be in a position to run any meetings before the end of October which means the Abbey will have fallen silent for an entire campaign.

Club co-promoter Lee Kilby said: “It goes without saying that everyone connected with the Robins is extremely disappointed.

“As a management team we have worked very hard behind the scenes looking into how we could possibly get racing back in the Abbey Stadium with all the restrictions and social distancing measures we would face.

“Alun Rossiter and I have been in regular communication with our fellow Premiership Promoters about the best way forward for the sport. But when all is said and done the decision to run was taken out of our hands and made for us by the government.  

“Yes we are disappointed to see no racing this year, but the health, wellbeing and safety of our fans, sponsors, riders, volunteers and staff is paramount to us so we accept the decision and start looking forward to making 2021 a tremendous year for the club as we look to retain the league and cup double.”

Kilby is also urging fans not to forget about each other and the club in general with over eight months before the new season.

“With no racing until March 2021 the clock will definitely tick slowly for us all,” he said. “But I suggest our fans keep an eye on our website and social media as we’ll look to organise some get togethers or social events through the Robins Nest Supporters Club when it is safe and convenient for us to do so.

“We look forward to welcoming you to what we hope will be a full and exciting Premiership season in 2021.”

Team manager Alun Rossiter added: "I always thought it was highly unlikely the season would continue, but everyone was clinging on to a bit of hope that the government would give some kind of clearer guidance. But once they said October, that was it really.

"As a club we're all geared up and ready to go next year. We're hoping we can keep the same teams and the same riders. 

"Now it gives us the opportunity that potentially the stadium could be done ready for next season."