THE future of Cradley Heathens has been thrown into doubt after it emerged the club's owners have called for major changes.

The current consortium, which brought the club back to league racing in 2010, have decided they cannot continue under the current circumstances.

They say they wish to see the club continue into the 2016 season if at all possible.

A meeting has been arranged with the interim board of the newly-formed Heathens Supporters Trust to discuss the situation.

Based at Perry Barr Stadium in Birmingham, the Heathens finished third in this year's National League.

However, it has been a logistically difficult season for the management with Nigel Pearson unavailable on occasions due to his broadcasting duties, Chris Van Straaten needing to give his full attention to Wolverhampton and Gary Patchett unable to attend events at the stadium.

A statement from the consortium said: "It is a very difficult thing for us to do, but unfortunately at this time we cannot continue for both business and personal reasons.

"It is our intention to do everything we can to allow the club to continue under new management next season rather than close the club down.

"We sincerely hope the forthcoming cup tie with King's Lynn at Perry Barr on October 14 is not the last ever Heathens meeting.

"Our sincere thanks to the fans and sponsors for standing by us in a difficult season at Perry Barr and to the support of the Birmingham track staff through Denise Drury and the excellent medical team.

"But special thanks to our team manager Will Pottinger for his sterling work once again."

Any interested parties are asked to email info@cradleyheathens.co in confidence.