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It's that time of year when the countdown is very much on to the play-offs... and this year we're talking about play-offs with a difference!

Quite rightly the main focus of attention is on the top four and the race for the Elite League title, but at the bottom there are a number of clubs with serious concerns over finishing in the bottom two.

Wolverhampton and Peterborough look most likely to race off, the losers will then meet the winners of the Premier League play-offs for a place in next season's top flight.

Belle Vue and Coventry are also looking over their shoulders. The relegation situation is developing into an interesting one, although it's my humble opinion that it would take a massive shock for a Premier League team to win over two legs.

The idea of promotion and relegation in speedway is something which has been talked about for many years - it was tried back in 1991 but because of circumstances Swindon didn't go down. Arena-Essex (now Lakeside) did, however get promoted.

But this time there's a structure to it all and, speaking to the good people of Belle Vue - David Gordon, Chris Morton and Steve Casey - they are genuinely concerned about getting dragged into the bottom two.

There's a couple of massive meetings ahead between Belle Vue and Wolverhampton, both in Manchester - and the Aces know they have to win them both to keep the Wolves pack at bay.

PL promotion?

Speedway is unique in many ways and in this day and age there are certain conditions which could make it hard for certain Premier League clubs to cut the mustard in the top flight.

But there are clubs with ambition to progress. One of them, Birmingham, won't be in contention this season because of their horrific run of injuries, but they'll be going for it next year you can be sure of that!

I still stand by my prediction, however, that whilst a relegation / promotion play-off will provide plenty of interest, the Elite League team will win through in the end.

One thing is for sure - the season has plenty of laps ahead and there's going to be some big meetings with plenty of pressure!