By Adam Summers - Dorset Echo

Chairman Phil Bartlett has set his sights on taking the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats into the Premier League next season. He announced his intentions at the speedway team's Season Launch at the Wessex Stadium on Saturday where the club's new set of riders were introduced to a large contingent of supporters.

Bartlett said: "We have a very good line up and the aim is to win some silverware. With home advantage in the Conference Pairs we would like to think that we have that in the bag already. We also feel we have a good chance in the Fours and the Riders' Championship as well as the league of course. Many of our riders are aspiring to get into the Premier League and as a club we are aspiring to do the same even though we have not made an application yet. If we can produce the success on the track that we believe we are capable of this season and get big crowds through the gates then there is no reason why we cannot progress as long as it is financially sustainable."

All nine members of the Wildcats' team were present at the event and they all echoed Bartlett's optimism for the coming campaign. After Alex McLeod, Matt Bates, Kyle Newman, Tim Webster, Jay Herne, Luke Priest, Brendan Johnson, Jon Armstrong and Karl Mason were all introduced, team manager Jem Dicken said: "The lads know what is expected of them and we will win some silverware.

"I know that is a bold statement but there is no doubt that we have got the team to do it. Jon Armstrong and Jay Herne will score points anyway but where we are really strong is the potential we have in reserve. The likes of Kyle Newman and Tim Webster are the ones who can be the match-winners and if they can deliver we should do well."

The first meeting to be staged at the Wessex Stadium this summer will be the Great Britain Under-21 Championship on April 12. The Wildcats' first home fixture will see the Plymouth Devils visit in the Devon & Dorset Cup a week later.