DUDLEY Heathens boss Will Pottinger admits he still feels hurt and anger over the play-off final defeat to Mildenhall.

Pottinger revealed his thoughts when he mixed with over 400 fans at a sold-out awards night last Friday.

But he was quick to praise his riders who finished both top of the league and lifted the National Shield.

Pottinger claimed: “I’m very proud of the riders’ performances over the course of the year. We didn’t finish top by mistake!

“We only lost one league match away at Mildenhall during the season when we were missing three of our best riders.

“To have 400 people here is a great send-off for the lads after such a good season.

“But it was disappointing we couldn’t quite get over the final hurdle by winning the league”.

Dudley Heathens will hold a fans forum tonight (Thursday) at 8pm in order to discuss the future of the club and the possibility of moving up to the Premier League.

The event takes place at Cradley Heath Liberal Club with the management team of Gary Patchett, Chris Van Straaten and Nigel Pearson answering questions. Admission is £2.