NEWPORT Speedway owner Steve Mallett has blasted anonymous on-line authors he says are accusing him and his family of failing to promote the British Premier League outfit since taking over from the late Tim Stone in 2009.

Businessman Mallett admits not all fans are critical and he has received many messages of support.

But the alleged on-line snipers have prompted him to speak out.

Mallett, who co-promotes the club with son Nick and Dudley-based dentist Peter Mole, spelt out just how much effort has been put in to spread the word.

He said: “Following mounting claims of a supposed lack of promotional effort by this club, I feel now is the time to respond with the facts of what we have done in the last two years or so.

“We have attracted increased coverage from a variety of media outlets, have set-up two highly-successful websites, completed several extremely large leaflet drops throughout Gwent and recently did so outside the Millennium Stadium before and after the World Championship Grand Prix.

“The club purchased signs and tried to advertise on the dual-carriageway, only for them to be taken down almost straightaway, placed posters up in shops, e-mailed almost every school in the area to invite them to the stadium to watch and took riders and their bikes to some schools and fêtes.

“We also ran several free/discounted ticket schemes (some of which were abused when the tickets fell into the wrong hands), have forged strong relationships with local community associations and have also ran training sessions at our stadium for youngsters.

“I can also assure everyone, having contacted several media outlets over the last few years, that the cost of advertising is largely beyond the budget available to this club.

“We have visited and written to many businesses in this area ourselves and engaged several individuals to act on the commercial side, all of whom have failed to be successful (or failed to fulfil their promises).

“Anybody willing to give their time to work for the good of the club can easily contact ourselves and any fresh ideas will be listened to.

“I would finish by thanking those that have worked or given their time to support the club in the last two years.”

Tim Stone died in April 2008 after which Newport Speedway was closed down until the Malletts took the club over in time for the 2009 season.