Please be patient. That is the message from the Leicester Lions management to their supporters.

Two months ago, it was announced that the project to develop the new sports complex at Beaumont Leys had been delayed. With that went any hope of the Lions returning to competitive league speedway for the 2010 season.

Since then, fans have been waiting for further developments and promoter David Hemsley yesterday provided an update.

"The task of putting together a legal framework for the whole of the sports village has proved far more complicated than we first anticipated," he said.

"A considerable amount of time this winter has been spent locked in discussion with solicitors to define the details of the businesses and also negotiating the terms of the lease with Leicester City Council.

"We really appreciate the patience supporters are showing during this frustrating time and, rest assured, we are equally frustrated.

"It is the determination of Leicester Speedway Ltd to ensure that the project is on a sound footing for the long term.

"We are continuing to plan for this season and remain committed to delivering the stadium this year and, if at all possible, seeing racing commence in Beaumont Leys sometime during 2010."

It is 27 years since speedway was last seen in Leicester and supporters remain philosophic about the delay.

"Our position is very much the same as before," said Steve Chilton, supporters' club secretary.

"We trust David and the management, we are in regular contact and we are making ever effort to support them. Everybody is working 100 per cent.

"We have to remain patient and are confident that a speedway track will be delivered. The important thing is everything is done in the right way."

Lions take to the track on Saturday, March 20 for a friendly at Rye House Rockets, in Hertfordshire. Sporting director Sam Ermolenko is busy putting together a team.