PIRATES chief Matt Ford has all but ruled out the possibility of completing his team building before the new year.

Ford had been hoping to seal a deal for Poole’s seventh rider after acting quickly to recruit |six of his side for the 2013 campaign.

However, Echo sources suggest frustrated Pirates are waiting for potential developments with the controversial new grading system before making their move.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “At this point in time, the management committee meeting will be on January 11 and the general council will meet on January 29. If needs be, we will not announce our seventh team member until then.

“There are alternatives and people with green sheet averages. I have certainly had a conversation with one rider in particular, who I rate.

“However, I still believe that more will come of the whole grading system.”

Should Pirates be unable to bring in a newly-assessed rider with their remaining 4.20 points, the likes of Matej Kus, Mark Lemon and Sam Masters could all come into the frame for selection.