Could Torquay United crisis affect Swindon speedway future?

Clark Osborne announced on Thursday that the National League South side would be placed into administration, and he was stepping down as chairman. 

Mr Osborne is a director of Gaming International, which owns the Abbey Stadium in Swindon and is said to be helping work towards a new venue for the town's currently homeless speedway team.

in a statement about Torquay, Mr Osborne said: "It is with sincere regret that I advise that circumstances beyond my control during the last five weeks have brought me to the position that I am unable to continue financial support for the club."

The Abbey Stadium at Blunsdon is currently undergoing a revamp, while the opening of a new dedicated motorsports arena is the responsibility of a joint partnership between Swindon Speedway and Gaming International.

But the Advertiser understands the issues at Torquay United will have no impact in Swindon as the two issues are unrelated. 

Plans were unveiled in March 2015 for the new stadium at Blunsdon. Pictured are Swindon speedway team manager Alun Rossiter, Justin Tomlinson MP and Clarke Osborne of Gaming International. Picture: Stuart Harrison There has been no update on the Abbey Stadium refurbishment, which is currently being formally investigated by Swindon Borough Council over possible planning requirement breaches.

But it is understood that plans for a Swindon motorsports arena are progressing well, and the site is secured, which was announced by Mr Osborne back in November last year.

It is believed discussions with stakeholders are taking place, and once complete the location, which is said to be within a 45-minute drive of the town. 

When news that a location had been secured was announced, Mr Osborne said: "After months of hard work from our team, we have secured what I think is a brilliant site for the development of the motorsports Parc, capable of providing facilities for a full range of motorsport activity and well within our drivetime criteria.

“We are in discussions to outline and agree the planning process before announcing the location of the Parc which I hope will follow very soon."

Meanwhile the search for new Torquay United owners or investors begins, with Mr Osborne stating he will do all he can to help find someone suitable to take over.

"Now is the time for the club, supporters, Torbay community and the local authority to come together and continue on the path to the future," Mr Osborne said in his full statement on the club's administration 

"I will assist a change of ownership where and when invited. The detailed plans, proposals and related data for the proposed developments will be gifted to the club as will any time requested to assist in the future planning and development."