PLYMOUTH are new entrants to the 2014 National League – and the competition will also feature the return of one of speedway’s most iconic names.

The West Country club, who moved out of the third tier up to Premier League level in 2011, will operate two teams next season as they look to progress young British talent, confirming their intentions at Tuesday’s AGM.Champions Dudley will be back to defend their title – but they will now be under their old name of Cradley, still racing home matches at their adopted Wolverhampton home.The club was re-formed in 2010 from the ashes of the old Dudley Wood side, with the Dudley name used with the intention of securing land in the borough – a battle which Heathens bosses will continue.Fellow stand-alone clubs Buxton, Kent, Mildenhall and Stoke all return from this season along with Coventry and King’s Lynn who continue to operate at National League level in addition to their top-flight racing. Meanwhile the door remains open to the Isle of Wight, with a deadline set of January 31, 2014 for them to join the league.

KEY POINTS:NATIONAL LEAGUE: Buxton, Coventry, Cradley, Kent, King’s Lynn, Mildenhall, Plymouth, Stoke. Teams meet once home, once away. Top four to play-offs.Points limit unchanged at 40.NATIONAL TROPHY: Buxton, Kent, Mildenhall, Stoke. Teams meet once home, once away. Top two from mini-league to contest the Final.NATIONAL LEAGUE KO CUP: All eight clubs have entered, draw to be made at a later date.NATIONAL SHIELD: To be contested between National League Champions Cradley and 2013 runners-up King’s Lynn.BRONZE HELMET: Match race to be contested by a member of both teams’ top three riders (nominated by team managers) at the first meeting of the season. Helmet will then continue to be staged at every subsequent meeting contested by the team who are the current holders.Major event venues:NATIONAL LEAGUE RIDERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP: Rye HouseNATIONAL LEAGUE PAIRS: MildenhallNATIONAL LEAGUE FOURS: CoventryNational League co-ordinator Peter Morrish said: “This was a very successful meeting, everyone is positive about 2014 and we’re pleased to welcome Plymouth into the league.“It’s been a good year and it’s especially pleasing to report how well-supported the major events were – they were the best for several years, and naturally we thank the supporters for that.“With us having a British World Champion in Tai Woffinden it’s nice to reflect that he came through the Conference League [previous name of NL], and of course next year there will be many opportunities for National League youngsters in the top flight.“It’s a great pity that the Isle of Wight are unable to declare for 2014 at this stage, but the door does remain open to them and we would be very happy to welcome them back.”