NEWCASTLE Diamonds have withdrawn from the SGB Championship.

The north east club had been struggling for results this season, sitting bottom of the pile with just three points from their nine meetings.

They were due to head to Plymouth Gladiators tonight, before hosting Poole Pirates in Byker on Sunday afternoon.

However, Diamonds have now announced their sudden withdrawal from the competition.

A statement read: "British Speedway Promoters Ltd regret to confirm the withdrawal of Newcastle Diamonds from the 2022 Championship.

"Owner Rob Grant took the decision on Monday night with the Diamonds having been due to travel to Plymouth on Tuesday, and has subsequently announced he has closed the club.

"Updates to fixtures, results and rider availability will be carried out following the completion of standard protocol in these circumstances."

BSP Ltd chairman Rob Godfrey said: “It’s obviously a matter of serious regret to be losing a club, and it did come as a shock to us last night.

“We had been working with the Newcastle promotion in an attempt to get them to the end of the season, and every opportunity and help was given to them.

“Discussions had been ongoing for several weeks, but they have suffered a number of unfortunate problems this year.

“We did feel they would be able to see things through, but sadly that’s proved not to be the case."