ALUN Rossiter believes the greater security the sport’s new television deal brings will help speedway bosses plan for a sustainable future.

Sky Sports and the BSPA yesterday announced an agreement has been reached on a new, five-year broadcast deal following the expiration of the previous contract at the end of 2013.

There had been fears the 10 Elite League clubs would have been left with a big gap in funding with a new deal not always certain but, even though they will now receive a slice of television money, Rossiter wants to see the sport plan for a sustainable future rather than splash the cash.

“It’s great news because Sky are great at what they do and it’s great for us to have been able to carry on working with them for another five years,” he said.

“They are so professional and do a fantastic job with the sport and they are the best in the business and give great insight.

“We still have to budget and be sensible but this is great for the sport. You can get a lot of things right in five years but we have to work at it and sort ourselves out.

“Knowing we have this deal gives us some security but we need to make the most of it and get ourselves sorted out.”

The new deal is a slight reduction on the previous contract with Sky, who have not taken naming rights to the league, but BSPA chairman Alex Harkess believes the sport’s new deal means they have the best chance possible of bringing new fans to the sport.

“This is great news for speedway,” he said. “Sky Sports has helped raise the profile of the sport with their high production standards, and being shown on their channels means British Speedway has the best possible home to enable us to reach our passionate fans as well as appeal to new ones.”

Sky’s coverage of speedway will continue to be presented by former Great Britain captain and world long track champion Kelvin Tatum with commentary from Nigel Pearson and studio analysis from former GP rider Chris Louis and former world champion Sam Ermolenko. Charlie Webster returns as pit-lane reporter.