FRUSTRATED Kyle Newman hit out after being axed by Pirates, insisting: "I deserved more loyalty than that."

The Poole-born charger is set to be replaced by Paul Starke subject to approval from the British Speedway Promoters' Association.

Newman had struggled to hit form since returning from a fractured shoulder blade and muscle damage in May.

The Puddletown racer spent a month on the sidelines following a high-speed crash at the season-opening Darcy Ward Invitational at Wimborne Road, a meeting ultimately abandoned due to an unfit track.

Following his return, Newman scored four paid five at home to Rye House, six paid eight at Leicester, two against visitors Wolverhampton and three paid five at Belle Vue.

And the 25-year-old, appointed vice-captain by Poole owner Matt Ford during the off-season, believes he should have been given more time.

He said: “I’m surprised Matt and the promotion have come to this decision. I think I deserved more loyalty than that.

“My season got off to the worst start possible on a track which wasn’t raceable. Since my return from injury, I’ve only ridden in four matches for Poole so this decision has come as a big surprise to me.

“I’m disappointed to leave. I’m sure it won’t be the end of my association with the club I consider home.

"I’ve had some fantastic times with the Pirates and winning the Elite League with my home town club meant a lot, as did captaining the team.

“I need to say a huge thank you to the fans and local sponsors who have been amazing to me.

"They have supported me 100 per cent since I first came into the side and I think they recognised I gave my all every time I pulled on a Poole race jacket. I’m sure they will be as shocked as me.

“It’s now time for a new chapter in my career and, hopefully, I can find a new Premiership side and get my season started properly.

"Admittedly, I think I deserved a little bit more time at Poole but I’ll stay positive and, hopefully, I can come back to haunt them later in the season with a new side.”

Starke was released by Pirates' SGB Premiership rivals Somerset as part of a triple change last month.

However, the Hereford-born flier has been in fine form for Peterborough in British speedway's second tier.