With the idea of the Premier League being split into two divisions being scrapped, early indications from the club's management suggest the team will be returning to speedway's basement league for 2009.

Promoter Jonathan Chapman said: "There are a lot of things to be discussed at the conference but the likelihood is that Mildenhall will be returning to the Conference League in 2009."

Mildenhall's last appearance in speedway's third tier came in 2005 when they narrowly missed out on a third successive Knockout Cup victory, going down 99-91 to Weymouth.

Before that defeat the Suffolk side had enjoyed considerable success in the division with two league titles and two league Knockout Cup victories in 2003 and 2004.

Last season, the West Row outfit struggled all campaign and failed to win a single Premier League meeting, managing just one Premier Trophy win against Norfolk neighbours King's Lynn.

The promotion team is confident that fortunes on the track will turn around next season as the club looks to return to its glory days.

"It can't get any worse than last season – the only way is up," said Chapman. "We hope to do well on the track next year but I can't say if we will be challenging for the title as I don't know what other teams are against us.

"One thing we will be doing is basing the team around a lot of youth riders."

On Saturday, the club held its annual awards night at the Bell Hotel, Mildenhall, with Jan Graversen awarded rider of the year. The young Dane picked up the award after a string of entertaining performances last season.

Chapman added: "He was excellent and he did a really good job for the team in such a tough year.

"He did very well and I am pleased for him as he was very impressive."