Former Peterborough Panthers team manager Jim Lynch believes exclusion from the 2011 Elite League could kill off the Cambridgeshire side.

The Panthers, along with Coventry, are at loggerheads with the British Speedway Promoters' Association.

And Lynch says failure to compete next year could prove costly to both sides.

"I think it could be a mortal blow to someone like Peterborough, because they may lose [owner] Rick Frost," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

The BSPA have said Peterborough and Coventry failed to register for an Elite League place at last month's AGM, but the Bees have countered by stating both clubs will take legal action over their absence.

The BSPA AGM is like swimming in shark infested custard, you've got to know what you're doing Former Peterborough promoter Mick Bratley

"There was nothing that came out of the whole situation that led you to believe that there was going to be a satisfactory conclusion," added Lynch, who left the Panthers in 2006 and is now boss at Belle Vue.

"It looked as though both sides of the argument were fairly entrenched in the way they felt and it was hard to see exactly where the compromise was going to come from.

"I think the danger is if this continues, and Coventry and Peterborough are allowed to disappear out of the sport this year, I fear they'll never come back."

Former Peterborough promoter Mick Bratley, now with Birmingham, believes both clubs have not done themselves any favours.

606: DEBATE The Elite League is fine if the main body stops moving the start line hutch1972

"The BSPA AGM is like swimming in shark-infested custard, you've got to know what you're doing," he said.

"My understanding is they walked out, that's something you can't really do at an AGM I'm afraid.

"I'm sympathetic to the fans and staff who work there, they're the ones who get forgotten about in this situation."

Peterborough have applied to the National League as a backup for the 2011 campaign, but Bratley reckons the Panthers could find themselves without competitive action next year.

"The people who run the National League clubs, you're looking at them for a favour," he added.

"Last weekend Coventry said there was joint legal action and if that's the case, I don't think the National League members will be too keen to accept them.

"My gut feeling? I can see Peterborough running open meetings next year."

Light may be shed on both teams' futures when further Elite League meetings, planned for this week, take place.

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