CONCERNED Pirates owner Matt Ford does not want his business to be decimated by decisions made at the annual summit of British speedway bosses.

The Wimborne Road chief revealed there were three clubs who had reservations over retaining their Elite League status and that in his view, they must leave the British Speedway Promoters' Association's AGM satisfied.

However, Ford is keen to avoid making concessions to those teams at the expense of Poole and other clubs in the top flight, and wants to circumvent the danger of a watered-down league.

The points limit is likely to be a hot topic of discussion at the three-day meeting in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire and Ford confesses building a new Pirates team based on this year's limit – 40.5 points – would be tough enough.

He told the Daily Echo: "I've never made a secret of the fact I would prefer a higher points limit. I've always felt if we could give more rather than less, it would help matters and I will probably always believe that to be the case.

"There are always big decisions at every AGM but I can't remember going to an AGM where there are so many unanswered questions. It should be so simple but sadly that isn't the case.

"There are three clubs who don't feel they can ride at this level, so we have to try and make sure they are content but at the same time, that they don't decimate the business of Poole and other successful clubs.

"I'm fully aware we need competitors to ride against and every year the points limit gets lowered.

"This year we finished on an average of more than 46 having started on 40.5, so even if we were to go back to the starting average of this year, we would need to shave off in excess of five points.

"That in itself is watering a product down. Any lower and I find it difficult to explain to the public why the product needs to be watered down further."

One potential boost for the Elite League next year could be the involvement of two new teams.

While Leicester are believed to be considering their future at the top level, the Elite League looks set to have at least nine and possibly 10 teams next term. The Knockout Cup may also be in line to return.

Ford added: "If we got an extended Elite League and the points limit had to lower slightly for that to happen, I can't dispute that could be beneficial to us all.

"At this point in time, I don't want to lose the top riders, I just want to keep what we've got. But if it means the points limit lowers and we actually get two more teams, that has to be good news.

"I hope we keep a good level of speedway but at the same time I am realistic. If there are three clubs who say they cannot run at this level, something has to give."