Plymouth were accepted into British Speedway's Conference League at Tuesday's (Jan 13) annual meeting in Rugby.

They plan to run on Friday evenings with the opening meeting at their new track at Deep Lane, Plympton, expected to take place at the beginning of May.

Also admitted into the 14-strong league were South Coast rivals Weymouth.

The full composition of the league is: Armadale, Boston, Buxton, Carmarthen, Mildenhall, Newcastle, Newport, Plymouth, Oxford, Rye House, Stoke, Swindon, Weymouth, Wimbledon.

Plymouth will be known as the GT Motorcycles Devils and will also compete in the Conference KO Cup in which they have a first round tie against last year's double winners Mildenhall.

The cup is staged over two legs, so Plymouth are guaranteed a programme of at least 14 home fixtures.

Promoter Mike Bowden says: "I am delighted that we have been officially accepted into the league.

"We can now start making firm arrangements for the new season."

Bowden is determined to field the strongest possible side, adding: "It is important that we have a strong side to represent a city the size of Plymouth. We need to have a winning team.

"I have had promises from half a dozen riders who want to ride for Plymouth. Now we have the go ahead, we can complete negotiations with them."

British Speedway chairman Chris Van Straaten welcomed the return to speedway to Plymouth after a 34-year absence, saying: "The Plymouth promotion have satisfied the British Speedway Promoters' Association they are ready to run this season."