Andrew Appleton, who has been struggling at reserve for Oxford Cheetahs in top flight speedway for the last two years, has asked for a transfer.

The Reading-based youngster will now move to his home track and race in the Premier League - speedway's equivalent of the second division.

Cheetahs' promoter Vanessa Purchase has agreed to the request. She said: "Andrew feels he needs a change and asked about moving down to the Premier League and after much discussion, we have reluctantly agreed to his request.

"He will move to the Reading Racers after our trip to Poole tonight".

However, Appleton is not cutting all his ties with Oxford, where he started in the Cheetahs Cubs team.

Purchase added: "Andrew is still very much a part of our future here and I hope that as he is only moving the short distance to Reading, he will still receive the support of the Oxford fans".

It leaves Cheetahs searching for a replacement.

Purchase added: "I am now in a worldwide search for a rider who can come in to replace Andrew, but it will not be easy."