NEIL Middleditch has stressed he is "happy to carry on" as Great Britain team manager for an eighth successive year.

But he admitted he would step down if British speedway bosses thought there was "a better man to do the job".

Middleditch's part-time position as national manager will come up for discussion at the British Speedway Promoters' Association conference at Rugby from November 29 to December 2.

And there may be some chiefs who want Middleditch to step down after Britain scored a record low 15 points in the World Team Cup final in Poland earlier this year.

Middleditch, who will continue as Castle Cover Pirates team manager, said: "I'm quite happy to carry on, but if the BSPA want me to step aside I will step aside.

"If they feel there is someone better than me fair enough.

"There would be no animosity because the BSPA have been fantastic to work with and have always given me loads of support.

"But if they feel there is someone better out there, by all means let them take it on. I won't step in their way.

"Having said that, it's always an honour to be team manager of your country and that is how I feel.

"I love doing the job and don't think anyone could step into it and turn British speedway around just like that.

"There is no magic wand that will make it any different than it is now because it's just not feasible to turn it around quickly.

"To be honest, it will take time and patience, waiting for the British riders coming through now to pick up more experience before we can become a world force again."

Next year's World Cup final is in Vojens, Denmark, and Middleditch said: "We'll probably have a better chance of doing well there than in Poland."