BUCCANEERS boss Garry May believes Jay Herne has the ability to become an established Elite League rider.

Herne didn’t try his luck in England until he came over from his homeland in Australia at the age of 22 with Weymouth two years ago.

But, despite being a late starter, like fellow Poole asset Magnus Zetterstrom, May feels Bournemouth Castle Cover’s captain can still go on and carve out a successful career in the top flight.

May, who has also snapped up Aaron Baseby and Daniel Halsey to line up for Buccaneers next season, said: “I think Jay can make it to the Elite eventually.

“He’s a great rider. He knows what he’s doing and I think he can go all the way to the top flight.

“He has been a late starter over here in Britain. He was only 22 when he first came over to Weymouth.

“If he’d come here when he was 18 he would have progressed quicker, but he was getting his apprenticeship completed in Australia, which was a wise thing to do because you have to think about life after speedway.

“I’m sure he can go on to develop into an Elite League rider.”

Looking ahead to next year when Bournemouth will be aiming to repeat their 2009 National League and cup double, May said: “I just want Jay to maintain his average (which was a shade under 10).

“If he can improve it, great, but I want him to do the same as this year, go out and score a lot of points.

“I want him to be the leader on the track and a good captain.

“He helped the other riders this year, giving them advice on the track and their set-ups.

“He’s a great team man and will get us a lot of points.”

May added: “Jay’s happy to ride for us again and combine it with his Premier League duties with Somerset, who he has just rejoined.

“He just wants to see us win the league again like we did this year.

“We can’t hold him back. If he wants to go to a Premier fixture which clashes with one of ours, he has to go.

“At least with him being our number one, I can use a guest rider to give cover for his absence.

“That’s his aim, full-time Premier League then Elite, and I think he’s more than capable of achieving it.”