ROOKIE reserve Kyle Newman has enlisted the help of a personal trainer to achieve his dream – a top-five berth with his beloved Poole Pirates.

The 22-year-old, an asset at Wimborne Road, has already proved a popular figure on the back of some impressive displays this season after his hometown club took up their option of blooding him as a fast track rider.

Having suffered a torn thigh muscle last month, Newman has been limited to just seven top-flight appearances but has achieved an impressive average of 6.74 with eight heat victories so far.

And the Poole-born talent already has one eye on the future having joined forces with Sean Lillington, the instructor who helped Chris Holder work through his injury problems last year.

Discussing his new schedule, Newman told the Daily Echo: “Fitness has never been my strong point, it did improve over the winter but I want to do everything I can to maintain that.

“It helps everything, the fitter your body is the sharper your mind and decision making becomes and, hopefully, the extra work will reflect in my starts.

“I’m not as naturally skinny as a lot of the guys so if I have to work in the gym five, six or even seven days a week to reach that top level then that’s how it has to be.

“I have never been one to find excuses, just solutions and I want this to boost to my push for a regular ride in the Elite League.

“It will also help my injury. I need to build up strength in that area and get the muscle firing again as soon as possible to become more comfortable and flexible on the bike.”

Meanwhile, Newman added that Lillington, a goalkeeper with Dorset Premier League club Wareham Rangers last season, was an ideal candidate for the role because of his shale sport knowledge.

“Sean is a good fit because he comes to watch regularly and knows what speedway is about,” said Newman. “We’re looking into a few different things to work out the best programme to fit round my schedule.

“He’s going to get me eating the right things and looking at the whole package to try and get the very best out of my opportunity at this level.”

Newman expressed his thanks to new sponsor KML Engineering for aiding the new venture.