Peterborough Panthers delight at renewing their main sponsorship deal, cash boost for the club from fans’ group and the opening Premiership fixtures have been rerranged

The Panthers owner is celebrating a renewed contract with Crendon Timber Engineering as main team sponsors ahead of the new season.

It comes just a month after the appointment of new commercial chief Richard Knight who is working on every aspect of the business.

Chapman said: “We never take any of this for granted, and it’s great news for the stability of the club that we are able to continue this working relationship. Clubs need to put commercial work at the top of their priority list.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Steve Thompstone and John Clarke (of Crendon) for the first time in 2019 and naturally we will be working hard to ensure we can entertain their guests in the best way possible within the restrictions we will all face over the coming months.

“It’s such good news to have Crendon back with us for another year, and we also look forward to promoting their brand as we race up and down the country.”

The Buckinghamshire-based company, who specialise in the design and manufacture of engineered timber products assisting the house-building industry, first came on board at the East of England Arena when Panthers were elevated to the Premiership in 2019.

They had already agreed to continue their backing for last season, which was subsequently wrecked by the pandemic, and they have now given the club a major boost by committing for 202.

CEO Stephen Thompstone said: “It’s been such a difficult year for everyone, but we very much enjoyed our involvement in 2019 and we’re really pleased to be able to continue our support for the club.

“It will be such a boost to see the return of the sport as I’m sure what we’re all craving at the moment is some sense of normality.

“Our customers and staff are really looking forward to the first meeting of the season and seeing the team in action again.”

Meanwhile, Panthers’ Premiership schedule has undergone some alterations as a result of matches initially planned for early May being re-arranged following the Government roadmap announcement, and the requirements of broadcast partners Eurosport.

Their season will now get underway at Sheffield on Thursday May 20, with the Tigers set to visit the East of England Arena for the return on Monday May 24 which will be the home opener.

And another home fixture has been added on what will be a bumper Bank Holiday Monday, May 31, which sees Panthers visit Belle Vue at midday before facing the Aces at home in the evening.

*Panthers have been handed a big boost ahead of the new season with a donation towards essential track work.

The 100 Club have handed over £6,000 towards replacement air bags and fence work down the home straight and coming out of turn four.

Panthers owner Keith Chapman said: “It really is an amazing gesture and we cannot thank the 100 Club members enough.

“Peterborough are very fortunate to have such loyal fans and a wonderful Supporters Club organisation as well as the 100 Club.

“The work had to be done ahead of the new season and for us to receive a boost like this is so pleasing. Speedway is for the fans and I will continue to provide entertainment for them at Peterborough.”

Anyone interested in joining the 100 Club can email yvonne.edey@sky.com or call 07462 158532.

The cost is £10 per month by standing order and the monthly draw offers prizes of £120, £70 and £40. The prize money will be adjusted to reflect the member numbers.