Peterborough experience fuelled manager’s enthusiasm for Stars return

Lynn team manager Rob Lyon says his recent experience down the A47 at Peterborough fuelled his enthusiasm for a new challenge back with the Stars.Lyon spent three seasons in charge of the Panthers, who are unable to compete at any level of speedway after developers AEPG ended the club’s tenure of their Alwalton venue as they look to progress a highly controversial planning application.But a managerial vacancy arose back at the Adrian Flux Arena following Lynn’s turbulent 2023 season, and Lyon now returns to the club having previously overseen the most successful years in their history.The new season is now under a week away – league matches are due to start elsewhere tomorrow (Thursday) night, with the Stars opening up at Leicester next Thursday – and the overall reception to a big winter re-build has been positive.Lyon said: “We had the highs and lows at Peterborough. We won the league in 2021 so I obviously enjoyed that, we had a great time, and then 2022 and 2023 were challenging seasons.“But in a weird sort of way I still enjoyed it, and especially being back amongst the speedway family if you like.“I do feel really sad for Peterborough that they are unable to run. They are a fantastic club, and working there probably fuelled my interest to want to continue, and to get a bit more involved.“Things of this nature are all about timing and fate, and I guess that it’s fate that has led me back to King’s Lynn, where it all began.“I am excited to be back, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of trying to pull the club back up to a level where the fans have got something to support and shout about again.“We had great times in the years when I was there previously, most of the time, and it’s been sad to see the way the last two or three seasons have gone for them.“It will be nice to have a fresh start and be challenging and the very, very least for a play-off place.“I know there are some really strong teams around this year, but I’m pretty confident that ours will probably sit up there with the best of them, and hopefully challenge to get some silverware.”Stars supporters will be able to see their team go through their paces during official practice at the Adrian Flux Arena next Tuesday, with the stadium open from 6pm.There will also be ‘meet the riders’ session in the bar afterwards, with the team heading to Belle Vue on Wednesday for the full Premiership Media Day, and they then race at Leicester on March 21.