Oxford Cheetahs' supporters are rallying in an attempt to save their club from going to the wall, writes ROBERT PEASLEY.

The deadline for promoter Allen Trump to hold Premier League racing at Sandy Lane next season expired at 5pm yesterday.

Talks between Trump and stadium landlords, the Greyhound Racing Association (GRA), broke down in mid-week, after the two parties could not agree a lease for next season.

Fans have been in touch with British Speedway Promoters' Association (BSPA) chairman Pete Toogood.

Chris Brown, one of the leading lights of the Save Our Speedway (SOS) group, said: "We've been in dialogue with Pete Toogood, and also tried to contact the GRA.

"Mr Toogood has confirmed that the BSPA will be looking at every possible avenue to preserve Oxford Speedway running at Oxford Stadium.

"Ideally we need to find a new promoter, who is willing to come in and agree a deal with the GRA.

"But if it comes down to it, then it may be the case that the fans have to run the club for a year, to preserve planning.

"We are currently looking into the requirements in this area. We feel it is best to try to keep speedway running in its current location.

"Any attempt to move to a new location could take a very long time or flounder completely.

"We hope that the GRA will still consider any serious proposal about staging speedway at Oxford Stadium in 2008."

The GRA are not currently available for comment, but have stated that they will issue a press statement in due course.

It is not yet clear whether any new promotion coming into Cowley would be staging speedway at Premier League or Conference League level.