BRITISH Speedway bosses believe the tapes will rise on a nine-team Premiership in April with the future of Belle Vue Aces set to be secured.

The Manchester-based club are poised to take their place in the top flight under new promoters, pending approval by Manchester City Council.

The Aces were closed down under old management at the end of last season, with British Speedway chiefs revealing ‘concerns about financial management’ at the club after it was revealed they had paid no rent during their time at the new National Speedway Stadium in Gorton.

However, with new promoters ready to invest in the club being approved by Manchester City Council, who oversee the National Speedway Stadium, just legal formalities remain for the Aces, who have begun the task of putting together a team.

British Speedway chairman Keith Chapman said: “They are good people and I feel certain they will be good for the sport.

“It’s frustrating for the fans because of the long wait in making an announcement but it’s all down to the legal issues.

"Hopefully the matter will be concluded in a matter of days.”Swindon Robins were due to start their 2017 season at home to Belle Vue on Thursday, April 6, although Alun Rossiter's men will now help to launch the new Premiership campaign by making the trip to Leicester Lions on Saturday, April 1.

The future of Coventry Bees, which had been shrouded in doubt due to a dispute over the use of their Brandon Stadium home, was recently secured with the Midlands side now scheduled to race at Leicester's track for the start of the campaign.