FEARFUL Matt Ford admitted the thought of Pirates being involved in a play-off to avoid relegation filled him with dread.

British speedway bosses have brought in a new rule which will see the the bottom club in the SGB Premiership race against the SGB Championship play-off victors, with 2018 top-flight status the prize for the winner.

The last time the promotion and relegation format was used, in 2009, Belle Vue thrashed Edinburgh to retain their place in the Elite League.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "We have been down this route before and I would dread the thought of being in that meeting.

"The thought of losing our place in the Premiership fills me with dread.

"We need to make sure we are competitive this season and have as good a campaign as we possibly can."

Asked if there was still a sizeable gap between the top two tiers, Ford said: "I think there is still a significant difference in the levels between the teams.

"But it's very similar to in football – there is a difference but on their day Championship speedway teams will be able to beat Premiership teams.

"There has been a closing of the divide but whether that is a good thing or a bad thing, I really couldn't tell you.

"I don't need to be negative about it, I need to go into the season with positive thoughts."