Team manager Trevor Swales admitted both Lukas Dryml and Jesper B. Monberg (formerly Jensen) have both turned down their parent club's advances, while experienced Polish rider Jacek Rempala has also rejected the chance to join the city side.

Rempala (37) rode for Berwick in the Premier League last season and would have come in on a 3.47 average, but he has declined a return to these shores.

Swales said: "Despite calling the club many times to plea for a team place, Lukas has now turned down the offer to ride for the club – he feels he cannot fully commit to racing in England at this point in time.

"Jesper said at the start of the season that he would give England a miss this year and he is keeping to that stance.

"Jacek is an experienced rider who we felt could do a job for the club, but he is busy on the continent and also has business commitments."

Panthers are now waiting to learn the results of a British Speedway Promoters' Association (BSPA) meeting yesterday in which the future of Premier League club Newport was due to be discussed.

The Welsh club's owner Tim Stone died recently and it is yet to be decided whether the outfit can continue.

If not their riders, who include recent Panthers and Poole guest Craig Watson and Polish prospect Seb Truminski, will be made available.