'We hope this is not the end': Cradley Heathens owners stepping down

Chairman Nigel Pearson and club partners Chris Van Straaten and Gary Patchett revived the club in 2010 after 15 years out of the league.

But the management trio have today revealed they are bowing out because of personal circumstances and other work commitments.

The consortium hope the club can be saved by new faces coming forward and insist folding the Heathens would be the final option.

"It is a very difficult thing for us to do, but unfortunately at this time we cannot continue for both business and personal reasons," said Mr Pearson.

"It is our intention to do everything we can to allow the club to continue under new management next season rather than close the club down.

"We sincerely hope the forthcoming cup tie with King's Lynn at Perry Barr on October 14 is not the last ever Heathens' meeting," he said.

Mr Pearson is a broadcaster with Sky Sports and talkSPORT while Mr Van Straaten is one of three owners at speedway rivals Wolverhampton Wolves.

The Cradley Heathens have been thwarted by an on-going search for a permanent home after losing its home track in Dudley Wood two decades ago.

This season the club has been riding at Birmingham's Perry Barr Stadium after a deal to race in Wolverhampton ended.

It had been hoped plans for an enterprise zone next to the M5 close to Junction 3 could provide a new long-term base.

But the proposals were dropped following a fierce backlash from campaigners who feared part of the green belt would be swallowed up.

The club had also been exploring possibilities at a site near Merry Hill shopping centre, which also fell through.

Following today's announcement, a meeting has been arranged with the interim board of the newly-formed Heathens Supporters Trust to discuss the situation.

Mr Pearson will also meet with officials at Dudley Council later this month to discuss a future home.

He added: "We have been going six years since we revived and it has been a wonderful time. We have given people a lot of pleasure.

"I do hope enough people care enough about this club and step forward and take the club forward and that this is not the end.

"We will offer all the help and support to anyone who comes forward and we will go to the meeting with the council regardless.

"I will even be there at home matches to make sure it is a smooth handover. Hopefully this will not be the end."