Keith Chapman will be hoping his bid to steady the rocking ship at King's Lynn will work on away trips as the Stars head to Leicester tonight.

The Stars owner has been left bitterly disappointed at the events of recent weeks, which saw him axe Chris Holder and Troy Batchelor in the wake of a controversial home meeting against Poole.

Chapman criticised their attitude amid claims they refused to race in tricky track conditions which left Holder banned by the sport's authorities for 28 days.

In came Swede Tomas H Jonasson alongside fans' favourite Michael Palm-Toft, with Chapman refusing to back down over an issue that has divided fans.

The new-look side made their first appearance at the Adrian Flux Arena on Wednesday when they went down 50-40 to the in-form Swindon Robins, and in his match programme notes, Chapman made it clear he would not back down.

'Quite simply, I won't accept the tail wagging the dog,' he wrote. 'I won't accept 'superstars' refusing to put on a black and white helmet cover for a tactical ride and I won't accept 'superstars' walking out of a meeting at my club – especially when the opposition are raring to go.'

Chapman's actions have drawn fire on social media, but he said: 'That's fine with me. I have a very tough skin and it's like water off a duck's back.'

Robert Lambert is expected to lead the Stars as they head to the east Midlands tonight with their play-offs hanging by a thread. Their hosts will be looking for a second straight victory – their last was a 54-38 win over the Stars last month.

Home rider Erik Riss admits they have been left frustrated by their injury misfortune which has stalled their progress in the second half of the season. But with Josh Grajczonek booked to guest at number one for Kim Nilsson, he is confident they can emerge with three more points.

Riss said: 'The injuries we've had have been frustrating, but it was good to get a win against King's Lynn last home meeting, and we'll try to continue that with another win at home this time.

'We still have two riders injured, but we've got some good guests in who will hopefully help us win again in front of our home fans.'