Malcolm Vasey has returned for a second year in charge of Stoke Potters

Stoke Potters manager Malcolm Vasey would like to see the club restored to the Premier League at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Potters have dropped into the third tier of British speedway, the National League, for the 2011 season.

"It's part of a rebuilding process," Vasey told BBC Radio Stoke.

"We aim to be entertaining, competitive and challenging, with the objective to move back to the Premier League at the earliest possible date."

The Potters, who finished 12th of 14 teams in the Premier League in 2010, withdrew from the division in November for financial reasons.

The team has been completely revamped, with veteran Tony Atkin returning to Loomer Road to lead a promising group of young riders.

"I feel we've got a team that can do well," added Vasey. "You do need luck, that plays it's part.

"One of the things about the National League is that it's slightly more unpredictable and it tends to be more exciting.

"Once people get used to it, they might find that they enjoy it."

Promoter Dave Tattum is also confident that the Potters can be successful in 2011.

"The atmosphere was good while we were giving the race jackets out," Tattum told BBC Radio Stoke.

"These lads want to move forward within the sport and this is their opportunity.

"It's a good feeling. The lads are keen and eager and I'm hoping we're going to be up there."

Meanwhile, Ben Reade has won the final place in the Potters team for the new season.

The 19-year-old beat off competition from seven other riders to record the best time in a trial on Wednesday.

The Potters' first National League encounter of the 2011 season is away at Newport on Sunday, 17 April.

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