PIRATES chief Matt Ford braced himself for a new era in British speedway and admitted: "We are going to have to sacrifice some of the more established riders at the club."

The British Speedway Promoters' Association on Thursday unveiled swingeing changes to the shale sport which included a new 50-point team-building limit, aimed at helping clubs remain sustainable in financially testing times.

The points limit has effectively been cut given new regulations over averages, meaning certain top stars could find their rating too hefty to gain employment in the rebranded SCB Premiership.

And Poole promoter Ford admits his club, which won seven titles during the Elite League's 20-year existence, are no exception. However, he refused to be drawn on the future of specific riders, insisting final decisions had not been taken.

Asked for his reflections on an historic AGM, Ford told the Daily Echo: "I've got very mixed thoughts in terms of my club. From a Poole perspective, the changes made mean we are going to have to sacrifice some of the more established riders at the club.

"The 50-point limit we have next year, if you were to equate it to old terms, means the top-end riders, potentially, are not needed as much as they were previously.

"The number one in many teams may not be with us, although some clubs may choose to go very top heavy. To use up more than 25 per cent of your team-building strength on just one rider, in my opinion, will have dramatic effects at the bottom of the team.

"That said, it doesn't mean it can't be successful. It's just a chance.

"At this point in time, I don't want people to read too much into what I'm saying, because no final decisions have been made.

"It does seem fairly wholesale changes will need to be made. We will have to have a total reshuffle in the team, which is disappointing in itself.

"But I cannot be only downbeat about the decisions made because there were some incredibly brave and good moves made on behalf of the future of British speedway.

"I would also say, as others have, that it was the most productive AGM I can remember.

"Clearly we cannot ignore the fact some teams have struggled to make ends meet, in particular Belle Vue, Coventry and Leicester. They have asked for a reduction in costs and these things cannot be ignored.

"I do believe the changes made are enticing to other clubs. In this instance, it's brought both Somerset and Rye House into play and that's very encouraging for the league.

"There were two other second-tier clubs who were contemplating moving up. For 2017, I believe it's good to trial this as we are. But I have a real inkling that 2018 will see one or two more clubs enter the top flight."