KYLE Newman revealed he had moved on from his controversial Pirates sacking and refused to rule out a return to Wimborne Road next year – but admitted he would be keen to go back to Leicester.

Poole asset Newman rode in just four SGB Premiership meetings for his parent club in 2017 before being axed, the Puddletown-based racer having missed the start of the league campaign due to a fractured shoulder blade and muscle damage.

His departure was greeted with dismay by a sizeable section of Pirates supporters and the 25-year-old admitted he felt he should have been given more time by promoter Matt Ford to hit top form.

Leicester were quick to swoop for Newman, who spent the rest of the top-flight season with the Lions, the British ace courting controversy when he guested for Swindon in their play-off semi-final first-leg victory at Poole.

Newman is now beginning to put in place plans for next year and with the annual British Speedway Promoters' Association's AGM drawing closer, the doubling-up regular admits he is keeping his options open.

Asked if he would consider a Pirates return, Newman told the Daily Echo: "I wasn't too pleased with how I got sacked but that's in the past and I'm never going to say no.

"Some things would need to be sorted out beforehand but I will sit down and assess things after the AGM. Poole is special to me but I enjoyed getting away for a bit and having a change of scenery.

"It was good fun with Leicester and I'm pretty sure they are keen to have me back, and I would definitely be interested in going back.

"I've had some interest already and a few clubs have been hinting. I'm already getting things lined up for next year and it's about forgetting about what happened and moving forward in my career."

While guesting for Swindon against Poole in September, Newman attracted boos from a minority of fans at Wimborne Road.

The Dorset charger admitted he had expected some negativity and said it had not impacted his desire to again race for his parent club.

He added: "I want to thank the fans who gave me a massive round of applause and the sponsors who backed me.

"That shows the sort of support I have at Poole. The cheering definitely outweighed the booing and that was special to hear.

"I understand a few people were upset about me taking the booking and some people came to the conclusion I was doing it to get back at Matt and Poole Speedway, but it wasn't like that.

"If Matt had called me to guest at any point, the answer would have been the same.

"I would rather have been there in a Poole jacket. I didn't like being in that situation because of the club I was against, the sponsors and the fans.

"I expected some of the fans to boo me. But at the end of the day, speedway is my job."