POOLE Pirates boss Matt Ford will bide his time before recruiting a back-up rider after his eighth man proposal received the green light.

Speedway bosses last week agreed to an option for Elite League clubs to sign a foreign stand-in rider, who must be new to the UK's top flight, to take any team position between two and five.

Clubs are not obliged to take up the option and those that do will still be permitted to opt for the guest facility as and when standard rules allow.

Lakeside immediately named Swedish racer Dennis Jonsson as their extra man but with Poole's first choice Kacper Woryna commanding a place in Coventry's one-to-seven, Ford is happy to play the waiting game.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "The principle is absolutely right for us and I have one or two riders in mind that I would like to work with.

"There is no requirement for us to do so and we will probably start the season before making a firm commitment to anyone. I want to check the form and availability of certain people.

"It is certainly something we will be taking advantage of this season but I am in no immediate hurry, I would rather see how the beginning of the campaign goes."

And Ford welcomed the move as his bid to introduce wider reforms with regard to squad systems in British speedway gathers pace.

On the meeting, Ford added: "The room accepted we had to bring in new names. I am really pleased to see Lakeside announce an eighth rider and I believe one or two others are holding discussions.

"Hopefully, this is the first of what will hopefully be many steps to secure more riders in the future.

"It is the start of a process to get away from guest riders if we can and certainly, the idea is for us to avoid that in the years to come. Building relationships with different riders now will be key to that."

Ford also announced Poole's annual press and practice day will take place on Monday, March 14.

Doors will be open to the media, sponsors and season ticket holders from 1pm with the public allowed access from 3pm.