PROMOTER Matt Ford predicted that King's Lynn and Lakeside would join Poole Pirates in the Elite League top four as he nailed his play-off colours to the mast.

And the Wimborne Road supremo suggested a surprise package could complete the play-off places and hinted that Leicester could be in the mix.

Pirates are due to get their league season under way with a double-header against Swindon on Good Friday, April 3 as they bid for a third straight top-flight title.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "I think King's Lynn are very good. I've never known a team arrive at the tapes with effectively a championship-winning team having kept their top six.

"I would love to have come back with my same team from last year but the points limit did not allow that. For King's Lynn, miraculously, it's worked in their favour so good luck to them, there is no bitterness there at all.

"They were a good team last year so there is no reason why that would change now. They are clearly going to be a big threat.

"Lakeside will be almost invincible at home and I think their home form will take them into the play-offs.

"There's a surprise every year so let's wait and see who the other team is."

Asked if he would say that King's Lynn, Lakeside and Poole would make the play-offs, Ford said: "Yes, I would.

"I wouldn't like to say who the other team would be. Leicester have got a balanced team so they could play a big part.

"We need to make sure we make top four and then take it from there."

Ford revealed his delight at his final one-to-seven despite the disappointment of the non-inclusion of asset Darcy Ward, currently serving a 10-month ban following his failed alcohol test in August last year.

Grand Prix aces Chris Holder and Maciej Janowski head up a power-packed septet that includes newcomer Dakota North and reserve charger Kyle Newman.

Ford added: "Of course if Darcy had been available he would have represented us so that is the one negative I have regarding this year.

"But I'm happy with the seven riders we've got. The bookmakers have made us favourites again so that shows other people feel we're competitive.

"The team has got a lot of strength. I think a lot of people underestimate the likes of Dakota North and Kacper Gomolski and those two could be two guys that make us a different type of team."