Poole Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch has said the pressure is off his side as they prepare to defend their Elite League title.

Poole are only rated as third-favourites by the bookies to retain the crown they won in 2008, behind Swindon Robins and Peterborough Panthers.

Middleditch told BBC Radio Solent: "That's fine by me, it means less pressure on my team going into it.

"I think we're very capable of winning the title again."

Middleditch added: "Once the season gets going we'll get an idea of where we're at, and who are main opposition are likely to be.

"Swindon look a very good side on paper, and they're very difficult to beat around their own track."

Poole open their Elite League campaign at home to the Wiltshire side on Monday, 30 March.

Pirates will be operating a rider-replacement policy for the opening weeks of the season, after losing number two rider Jason Doyle to a serious injury earlier this month.

"It was a massive blow to lose Jason before the season had even started, so we're going to go with rider-replacement while we assess our options to replace him," Middleditch added.

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