FEARS are rising over the future of Cradley Heathens.

Hot on the heels of club director Nigel Pearson hinting at a winter exit from the club after eight years at the helm, co-boss Gary Patchett says next season’s plans could be out of their hands.

Thousands of fans have flocked to support the reborn Heathens who made a stunning return to the sport sharing with Wolverhampton and Birmingham in 2010.

But with no immediate prospect of a track to call their own next year, track sharing is once again the only option.

It could mean that their final two meetings – both at Monmore – against Eastbourne on Monday week (October 16) and the FAST Golden Hammer a week later could be their final action of the modern era.

“They were difficult this year, but we pulled a rabbit out of the hat with the double-headers, which have been reasonably successful,” said Patchett.

“But running at Birmingham isn't much fun for the supporters. We are grateful for the fact that we were able to race there, but it's hard.

“And with the likelihood of new owners at Birmingham, then they could be running two teams there.

“We may be putting two and two together and coming up with five, but it may be that Perry Barr is not an option.

“Then we have the AGM to come and from what I'm hearing, and with Lakeside looking to return to the Premiership, they may come up with a 10-team league and four more home fixtures for Wolves.

“That's four more Mondays we can't have. We might be scuppered.”

Heathens have already put together a stunning line-up for the prestigious Golden Hammer on October 23 with club icons Ashley Morris, Max Clegg and Tom Perry all included.

Teenage sensations Dan Bewley and Jack Smith from Belle Vue have also accepted invitations for what is set to be a fitting finale to the season.