SPEEDWAY: Johnson quits as Panthers team boss

Carl Johnson has stepped down as team manager.

The city club confirmed this morning (April 12) that Johnson had relinquished his role with immediate effect, citing family commitments.

Johnson has been in charge since the summer of 2014, guiding the club to the Premier League Cup final that season before steering them into the semi-finals of the play-offs last term when working alongside Dale Allitt.

Johnson resumed sole responsibility for team affairs when Allitt was forced to give up his role with the club on the eve of this term due to being made a promoter at King’s Lynn.

However, Allitt has been granted permission to step back in as Panthers boss for the short-term as they face four fixtures in the next two weeks.

Promoter Ged Rathbone said: “I can’t pretend I’m not disappointed to lose Carl, but I respect his decision. I also thank him for the considerable time and effort he has put into the club.

“He is a Panthers man through and through, and that is what makes him so popular with supporters.

“I’m delighted that Dale is able to step in for the next few meetings to give us a bit of continuity moving forward.”

Johnson, who had a couple of meetings for Panthers as a rider more than 20 years ago, says he will revert to cheering on the club from the stands.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed the challenge of being team manager, but it is not something I can currently continue doing.

“It takes up a lot of my time and costs a lot of money, and I also have a young son to think about.

“I’m looking forward to watching meetings as a fan again.”

Panthers are back in action on Thursday (April 14) when they travel to Ipswich in the League Cup.