Cheetahs boss Steve Purchase believes Oxford Speedway has now regained its credibility.

Purchase was reflecting on his time at Cowley in his programme notes this week.

He spelled out the traumas and difficulties over the last three years, and particularly over the last 12 months or so.

He wrote: "I have publicly stated that I felt last year was a watershed year for Oxford Speedway and a true milestone, although there were not any real facts and figures to support that claim.

"The first two years that I was in charge were extremely difficult.

"I took over Oxford on the expectation that a television package was going to happen and I took the Cheetahs back to the top flight, with all the expense that this entailed.

"Initially, things seemed to be going well with a positive public reaction, even though the team was perceived as a bit of a 'rag-bag' collection of available riders (which was a bit unfair since I did bring in Jan, Johno, Paul Hurry and later on Todd).

"However, it soon became apparent that there were serious problems with the administration of the club and public relations in general.

"Relations were so bad with many of our suppliers - including the stadium and the medical staff - that there was a possibility of speedway not running.

"I believe that it took a full two years to get the credibility back for Oxford Speedway. I lost count of the number of times that I was told: you're a speedway man, why should I believe you!

"These first two years were extremely expensive.

"And there were times when I felt that this was not an investment at all but little more than a bottomless pit for losses.

"This led to the position where I felt that if the Oxford public really wanted a top-flight speedway team then I really needed them to show me.

"Now the club has also been revitalised and is generating excellent financial support.

"I received enough pledges of support to convince me that a third season was worth a shot, and despite not receiving all the support promised I felt that the turning point had been reached, hence my milestone year statement."

Purchase thanked the fans through his programme notes.

"This year you have supported the team in increasing numbers, due, I am sure, to the community initiatives that have been in operation.

"The media have also been fully supportive due, I believe, to the honesty with which Oxford Speedway is now associated.

"I realised that this club would be as good as you, the supporters, wanted it to be. The club could lead and encourage, but you can only push so far.

"So we continued to set out our stall, to provide the best and fairest racing possible from the best riders in the world."