FRESH plans to redevelop Poole Stadium will be “anchored around speedway” and include greyhound racing – but there is no place for the town’s football club.

Clarke Osborne, chief executive of site operators Stadia UK, confirmed his company had opened preliminary talks over a revamp of Wimborne Road.

He played down speculation over plans being submitted for pre-application advice, a formal process which enables councils to give an indication of the acceptability of proposals, but admitted plans could be made public by the end of September.

Osborne said it was “far too early to say” how the new facility would take shape but was adamant its two flagship sports remained at the heart of plans.

“Discussions with the authority are progressing but Poole Town will be looking elsewhere for their primary facilities,” he said.

“I think they have some plans afoot for another site and in the interim, we will be providing them with some facilities such as parking and for training.

“It is a case of remaining patient. There are a number of stakeholders to liaise with and hopefully, during the summer, we will have something to show for our efforts.

“We have yet to submit any plans but remain in consultation with the council. We are talking about, looking at and putting together things that fit with the speedway.

“There is a lot going on but nothing firm or even primarily indicative at this stage. That kind of talk would be too speculative."

When Eddie Mitchell unveiled his vision for Poole Stadium in April 2014, the Sandbanks-based property developer admitted there would be no room for greyhounds and Osborne was quick to scotch those suggestions this time around.

“The statement was made by someone who had no interest whatsoever in the facility or the operations of that facility,” he added. “We are putting together plans and at the moment, there is no issue with anything.”

Poole Town vice-chairman Chris Reeves stopped short of ruling out a move to the club’s former home but admitted it was “highly unlikely” following his meeting with Osborne.

“From our point of view, we could not commit to any project without a real confidence it would tick all of our boxes," said Reeves.

“The situation with Poole Stadium was always something we were very interested in but as I understand it, the application they have lodged or plan to lodge would not account for the facilities we need.

“The fact it is not going to be fit for purpose in terms of the ground grading criteria we have to satisfy means it is highly unlikely we are going to be a part of the redevelopment project.

“We haven’t give up hope but having had so many false dawns over the years, it would be wholly inappropriate for me to talk about any project with any certainty.”

A Borough of Poole spokesperson said no planning application had been submitted and politely declined to comment on the status of any pre-application advice.