Sheffield Tigers may tweak team for potentially shortened Premiership season

But the Barnsley-based businessman has assured Owlerton fans triple world champion Nicki Pedersen remains firmly on board – if the UK quarantine rule is axed.

Bates remains hopeful of a shortened Premiership season starting in August and insists everyone at the club is ready to go.

“We might need one team change, we’re discussing that now,” he said.

“I’m not prepared to go into any further detail at this stage because it’s far from certain, but we may just need to do it.

“We have a Plan B in place already but Nicki Pedersen is still on board.

“Our manager Simon Stead has been in regular contact with the riders and Nicki is keen to get over.

“It’s an ambition of the owners to see Nicki riding in Sheffield colours around Owlerton. We all worked hard to make it happen and we want to see it.

“There’s obstacles to overcome before we can get a season but the directors of the sport in this country are working hard along with the Speedway Control Bureau and Auto Cycle Union to try and make this happen.

“I’d like to thank our fans and sponsors at Sheffield for their loyalty and hope to see them all soon.

“After the government announcements regarding social distancing and the hospitality industry reopening we believe there is a strong case for outdoor action like speedway to restart.”