PIRATES chief Matt Ford is confident Maciej Janowski can provide the big-race firepower to help Poole stay ahead of their Elite League rivals.

Promoter Ford gave highly-rated Janowski a glowing appraisal after he had sealed a deal to retain the Polish international’s services next season.

The 22-year-old, a mainstay of Pirates’ title triumph last term, will be tasked with supporting star man Darcy Ward after agreeing a Wimborne Road contract for 2014.

Janowski, nicknamed Magic, topped Pirates’ appearance charts after featuring in 29 top-flight meetings during a tumultuous year for the Dorset club.

The former world under-21 champion raised his average from 6.16 to 6.95 during a largely impressive debut campaign with Poole after he had joined as a full asset.

And with top riders set to lock horns more often due to a likely change in race format, Ford believes the proven class of heat leader Janowski could prove crucial alongside captain and number one Ward.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “Magic was on 6.16 and went up to 6.95 so the same type of improvement again would be quite something.

"But with the change in race format for the upcoming season where the reserve riders will have their heats somewhat protected, I don’t think you will see massive increases in riders’ averages.

“In the league as it was previously, I would have fully expected Magic to improve his average.

"But to a degree, it will be a little tougher on the better riders because they will face each other more and the heat leaders, effectively, won’t come up against the two reserves.

“We need some real strength and firepower there because those heats will be tough but Magic is used to that.

“You see the strength of other teams and, in particular, King’s Lynn with Niels-Kristian Iversen, Kenneth Bjerre and Rory Schlein.

"One or two other potential teams that I have heard about are also going to be really tough to beat.

“But Magic didn’t let us down at all last year. He is still a young lad and another year in Britain will be a great benefit for him.

“He is a real joy to work with and I think Pirates fans will be very pleased to see him back.”

Janowski, who Ford confirmed was set to sit out the Swedish league campaign, joins Ward and Josh Grajczonek in Poole’s top five, with Kyle Newman and Lee Smart at reserve.

Ford added: “Magic became a full-time asset of the club this time last year. He came into the team and rode more matches for Poole Pirates than any other rider.

“People can see that Magic is totally committed to the UK and, in particular, Poole Pirates, so he is welcomed back with open arms.

“Magic said he wanted to come back to ride for Poole and he was in every team plan that I had, along with Darcy and Josh.”