Heathens are ready to roar

Cradley speedway legend Jan O Pedersen is convinced that the club will rise again one day with its own stadium. The 1991 world champion was guest of honour at Cradley Heath Liberal Club last night when news of the Heathens' entry into next year's National League was revealed, along with the 2010 race jacket.

Sky Sports speedway commentator Nigel Pearson, who will be the club's chairman, announced the news. Home matches will be split between Wolverhampton (Tuesdays) and Birmingham (Wednesdays) with the side operating as the Dudley Heathens.

Will Pottinger, grandson of former Heathens promoter Les Pottinger, will be team manager.

Pedersen, who intends to settle permanently in the Black Country at some point, believes Cradley's time will come again.

"At some stage they (Dudley Council) will have to give in to it," he said."And when the land is available, something will be done. It is so important to keep the interest going."

Pearson said: "We want to preserve the great name of Cradley for the day when Cradley come back on a full-time basis.

"What we're trying to do as well is prick the conscience of Dudley Council. We're going to have 20 to 25 matches featuring the Dudley Heathens next season - and not one Dudley Heathens meeting will be held in Dudley borough."