NEWPORT Speedway official Nick Mallett last night celebrated the end of an eight-month long suspension for making derogatory comments about another club on an internet social networking site.

The 23-year-old lost his promoter's licence last May, when was handed a ban by sport's governing body, the British Speedway Control Bureau, after he criticised Weymouth Wildcats, its officials and how that club was run on Facebook.

However Mallett has successfully applied to get his licence renewed and will can now, if he choses, officially join in with Newport Wasps' preparations for the 2011 British Premier League season, which starts in March.

"I would like to thank the BSCB for agreeing with my appeal to have my licence reinstated, a delighted Mallett told the Argus.

"It's been a difficult period for me and my family, but thankfully we can now out this sad episode firmly behind us.

"On a personal note, I have certainly learnt my lesson and it is also helping me now being in a stable relationship.

"There is a real good feeling within the club at the moment and I want to make sure that all my energies are aimed at taking the club forward."

"This week, we have heard from (Australian) Mark Jones that his work visa has come through so everything seems to be fitting into place right now.

"Our only concern is that the weather has made it impossible for us to run our training schools and the Newport Winter Series, but hopefully the worst of the weather has now passed and we can get onto some serious training schedules."

Following the BSCB's initial ruling, Newport Speedway eventually appointed Dudley-based dentist Peter Mole as Mallet's replacement.

"Peter Mole will continue to co promote with my father Steve Mallett in 2011 and it may be that I will link up with them, although I can't say for definate that I will yet," confirmed Nick Mallett.

"All I know at this precise moment is that I have my licence back and I will now sit down and look over my options and take matters from there."

Mallett became the youngest promoter in British speedway history when he and his father jointly took over the reigns in April, 2009.

This was after the club had been closed for 11 months following the death of its former owner and promoter Tim Stone the following year.

Since, the Welsh city club has club runs two teams, British Premier League outfit Newport Wasps and National League side Newport Hornets, at Queensway Meadows Stadium.

Shortly after taking over, so concerned was Nick Mallett about the club's ill fortunes over the previous 11 years or so that he engaged the services of an ordained priest to carry out a blessing at the stadium to try and rid the venue of a so-called gyspy curse.