Poole Pirates to reveal new signing for 2011 season

Ford says his new signing will be an asset to the club

Poole Pirates speedway promoter Matt Ford has revealed he will be unveiling the team's first signing for the 2011 season later this week.

Ford told BBC Radio Solent: "We'll look to name our first signing for the 2011 season on Thursday.

"This rider will be a new asset to the club, someone who is an important signing for our future and someone who will be extremely good for our sport.

"He's an exceptional rider who is new to British speedway."

The news comes just 24 hours after it was announced that rider Bjarne Pedersen would be leaving the Pirates for Eastbourne.

Ford said he regretted the decision but insisted that the rule on new team averages forced his hand.

"It 100% had to do with the new averages coming out," said Ford. "It wasn't easy. He has ridden for me for the last nine years and this truly is the hardest decision I've ever had to make. He's a good friend in speedway and outside of the sport.

"But I'm glad he got set up with Eastbourne. They are a good club run by a good management team.

"It would be for one year only because I definitely want to work with him again."

Pedersen's departure from the Dorset club paves the way for Grand Prix star Chris Holder to become Pirates' number one next year.

"I've negotiated contracts with Chris Holder and we've opened talks with him but there are still a few things to sort out. I want him at Poole and I certainly hope he's number one next year," said Ford.

Meanwhile, the future of 2010 Pirates duo Jason Doyle and Artur Mroczka is less clear after Ford made them available to other clubs on loan, but this could mean Darcy Ward, Davey Watt and Leon Madsen may all be in line for recalls.

"We have opened contract talks with Darcy Ward. I hope he will be with us for many years to come," added Ford.

"Leon Madsen and Davey Watt are both not out of the frame, whilst at this point in time they are not necessarily in it. We have to make the figures work. I really would like to line up with three of the 2010 team and at the moment that is proving hard."