By Paul Baker and Paul Burbidge - Dorset Echo

Poole Pirates co-promoter Matt Ford claims he will run Conference League speedway at Wimbourne Road this season, unless Weymouth find a new owner today.

The Wildcats were evicted from their Wessex stadium track in December following disputes over finances and planning with the landlords Weymouth Football Club. But if Wildcats co-chairman Brian White finds a buyer for his BSPA license, bikes could roar again at Radipole Lane under new management. Two prospective promotions have stated an interest in buying the club with brothers Mick and Colin Horton - who run Mildenhall and Peterborough respectively - rumoured to be in the running. However, Ford claims Wildcats must decide today whether they will participate in this years Conference League, otherwise their application to run will be rejected. The Poole boss - who is on the BSPA Management Committee - said: "If Weymouth race next season, there will be no Conference team at Poole. We have made this clear from day one. But if a buy-out at Weymouth is not completed by today, their application to join the league won't be accepted. " There isn't enough room for two clubs within 25 miles of each other both operating in the same league. "So unless the Wildcats situation changes, Mike Golding and I will be entering a team in the Conference this year."

Ford's comments have come as a surprise to White who claims the Pirates chief is 'jumping the gun'. "I'm not quite sure what Matt's talking about," said White. "I think he's jumping the gun a bit because I have spoken to the Conference League organisers and his version of events differ to theirs. "Because of the situation at Weymouth, the league are allowing extra time when it comes to the club's application. I spoke to the league coordinator Peter Morrish yesterday and he has assured me that the meeting to decide the make up  of the Conference League will not take place until the end of this month and Weymouth will be given more time than that should it be needed. " If Poole want to enter the league then that's up to them. But to say that Weymouth won't be accepted if someone doesn't buy my license today is not true. "I have agreed a sale with a new promoter and hopefully all the loose ends will be tied up this week. But no deadlines have been set by the Conference League to get an application in unless Matt knows something I don't."

British speedway's third tier has suffered a bleak winter which has seen Scottish side Armadale and legendary Londoners Wimbledon fold. And with question marks hanging over Kent club Sittingbourne's future, Ford is keen to prevent the Conference from perishing further. Although his potential teams name will not take the Poole Pirates name it will have the backing of an established and financially sound promotion. It is this success which Ford hopes to build on as bids to blood his Elite League stars of tomorrow. He said: "This league has its place in British speedway and the number of clubs can't be allowed to dwindle any more. "We have already lost at least two teams. And if Weymouth were to cease racing as well it would be a disaster for the sport. "The continued development of young Brits is very important to us an we would be pleased if the Wildcats can continue to play a part in this. "But if they can't, Mike and I could improve the situation by bringing the Conference League to Poole. "Running another team at Wimbourne Road would play a huge role in bringing local youngsters into the sport. "At the same time, our Elite League side would benefit from having an academy set-up to support them. "Our move is purely for the development of British speedway - we can't afford to loose any more teams."