HOMETOWN hero Kyle Newman is determined to show the loyal Poole public what he can do and insists he is ready to seize his big Pirates chance.

Newman is confident he can deliver for Pirates as he prepares to take a full-time reserve berth in 2014 as part of the new fast-track scheme for British riders.

The local lad, who has supported the club since first attending a meeting as a 17-week-old baby, was last picked in the Poole one-to-seven for the 2011 campaign.

But he admits that chance may have come too soon and is vowing to do everything in his power to display his improvement in the skull and crossbones next term.

Poole asset Newman told the Daily Echo: “The British reserve rider rule worked in my favour and I was really happy that Poole selected me. It was the club I wanted to be at.

“When I raced for Poole a few years ago, it was a little bit early but I now feel more mature and ready for it. It was great experience and I learned a lot from it.

“I have been putting in a lot of preparation for the season and I can’t wait to get started. My equipment is better, I have gained more experience in speedway and I have a better understanding of what I need to do. I also have some great sponsors behind me now. Everything is in place for a good year.”

Poole-born Newman is a big favourite with the Pirates faithful and he enhanced his standing by featuring in the club’s grand final triumph last season.

Newman scored a fine six paid seven as Pirates claimed a 47-43 win to complete their 104-79 aggregate success over Birmingham.

Drafted in as a guest for reserve Micky Dyer, he also contributed three paid four in Pirates’ first-leg hammering of the Brummies.

Newman is hoping the support he receives from the terraces will give him an added boost come tapes-up.

Speaking to the Echo from Australia, where he is training and competing during the winter, Newman added: “It is my hometown club, as everyone knows, and I love it. There will always be 100 per cent from me and, like in the final last year, I just hope I can do myself justice and that I do feel ready for it this time.

“If you have the supporters behind you, it is a weight off your shoulders and gives you more confidence. It makes everything that much better. With those being supporters of my hometown club, it makes it the perfect situation for me.”