ADAM Ellis is optimistic he will be made available for loan by Lakeside – and has pinned his hopes on a return to Pirates next year.

The 20-year-old enjoyed a superb campaign in the skull and crossbones as Poole reached the Elite League play-off semi-finals.

A member of Team GB's World Cup squad, Ellis revealed recent discussions with Lakeside co-promoter Jon Cook had given him hope of a return to Wimborne Road.

And the France-born charger, based in Ringwood during the season, knows his future will depend on next month's rule-making meeting of British speedway bosses and the team plans of Pirates chief Matt Ford.

Ellis told the Daily Echo: "I spoke to Jon Cook and I think he's okay with me being part of Poole's plans next year, so that's good.

"It's just down to what happens with the team building at Poole. I want to come back and I have told Matt that on several occasions. I guess it's fingers crossed now

"From day one, the fans, management and sponsors made me feel welcome. The support has been awesome and even though it's just down the road, I love coming here.

"The move away from Lakeside was a fresh start and I'm hoping if I'm back next year then I can take it to another level."

Reflecting on his first Elite League campaign away from his parent club, Ellis admitted he had thrived in a no-pressure scenario.

"I wanted to come here and make a big impression and I feel it was a successful year, it's just a shame we couldn't win at the end of it.

"I was pretty lucky in that there was no pressure, I could just go out and ride.

"Kyle Newman was the number one reserve and no one was really expecting too much. I hit the ground running and managed to make it last most of the year.

"I got double figures in every meeting at Lakeside so I think the Poole vibes did me some good!

"I was a bit gutted to drop to reserve for the play-offs as you want to finish the year on a high but on the whole, it was really good."