Heathens hold off on league decision (From Dudley News)

Heathens hold off on league decision

4:46pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Sport

HEATHENS chiefs will wait for the rest of British Speedway to finalise a league structure for next season before deciding which league to apply for.

The former Cradley club are approaching the end of their third season at National League level and their crowds remain the envy of many at a higher level for meetings at their Monmore Green home.

But chairman Nigel Pearson says it’s unlikely a full season of Elite League racing for Wolves under the current structure could also accommodate a busier Premier League schedule with the Heathens.

And if that is the case the club will be left with no alternative but to stay in the National League until such a time as they find their own piece of land.

Pearson said: “The fans have continued to pack the terraces week in, week out and I keep getting told Premier League has to be the next step for us.

“It’s not as simple as that, but we are happy to talk about it.

“Chris Van Straaten (Wolverhampton Wolves promoter), myself and Gary (Patchett) have already had a discussion and we will see what develops at BSPA level with the structure of the leagues, how many meetings are likely to be staged in the Elite and Premier and then make a decision from there.

“People must realise it’s a massive task to run two meetings in successive nights and the prospect of 25 Wolves meetings and 25 Heathens all season long is probably a non-starter.

“We will see what happens in the next few weeks and then make a decision on whether we can apply for the Premier League.

“If not, we must hope there is a sensible structure for the National League.”

Pearson admits the club would be looking for a new promoter to take charge at the club in the event of racing at a higher level.

He said: “I’d have to stand down, it would be impossible for me to be involved because of the time element and my Sky work. Personally, I’d love to see Colin Pratt at the club, but there’s a lot of water to go under the bridge!

“In the meantime, we have to focus on trying to win the league and cup double which is what the fans deserve. The crowds are as big as they were when we started in 2010, it’s an amazing story.”

The Heathens suffered frustration last night as the first leg of their play-off meeting with Stoke was postponed due to rain. A provisional date of October 9 has been set for the restaging.