WEYMOUTH Wildcats co-promoters Martin Peters and James Tresadern were left to reflect on a “frustrating” season in speedway’s inaugural Southern Development League.

After finishing bottom of the five-team table behind winners Reading Racers, Weymouth picked up the wooden spoon.

However, Tresadern felt the final placing was irrelevant as the Cats look to build up the experience of younger riders in preparation for next season.

He told Echosport: “It was a frustrating season because we started so well. We got a nice team in place, then Martin French retired after a crash. He stepped away because it shook him up big time.

“But we were happy with the way the lads rode for us, especially Mick Sutton. We’re not fussed if we finish bottom or top.”

Tresadern added that the Wildcats would look to equate themselves with other sporting outfits that had promoted youth for future success.

He said: “It’s what the league is all about. Although the rules do state you can have a national league rider we’re quite happy to stick with the development of riders and bring them through.

“We can be like the Manchester United of the 90s, bringing the riders up.

“It could be an exciting season (next year). I’m looking forward to it, whether we finish bottom again or not as long as the guys are enjoying it.”

Weymouth's season began with a 45-45 draw in the Bryn Williams celebration meeting, before taking a solitary win of the campaign with a 21-14 triumph over Exeter.

Yet their efforts were hindered by a failure to field a full quota of racers, having been let down by several riders.

Weymouth have moved to solve that problem by securing the services of young talents James Jessop, Bailey Fellows and Jacob Fellows for 2018.

Peters said: “After a couple of meetings Martin left the sport which left us two riders down, we were under a little bit of pressure there.

“We’ve kind of got our riders for next year so hopefully it will be a lot more organised and not so stressful in trying to find four riders every week.

“James will be with us next year, he’s only 17. He’s really got the right attitude and he’s getting better and better every time.

“Bailey and Jacob are cousins and are going to be riding for us next year. There’s two more hopefully in the Isle of Wight.”

Kenny Bowdery is also expected to ride for the Wildcats in the coming season.