POPULAR racer Brady Kurtz sealed his return to Pirates before admitting leaving had not been an option.

The laid-back Australian has been confirmed as Poole's first off-season signing and will begin 2018 where he ended the last campaign – in the number one role.

Having this year increased to 8.08 his average, Kurtz is confident he can improve further on the shale of his parent club under the watchful eye of promoter Matt Ford.

Speaking to the Daily Echo from Down Under, club asset Kurtz said: "I never intended on leaving or going anywhere else.

"This is the club and the management I want to race for. I feel I had a great season last year and don’t see why it would benefit me to leave.

"This year was a really good year for me. I feel I stepped it up as everyone expected. Next year I see no reason why I wouldn’t step my game up a little bit more.

"I would like to keep number one on my back for all of next season. But I’m aware it’s s tough job and I’m sure whoever else Matt signs will want to do the same."

Kurtz has ridden for Pirates since 2016, helping the Dorset club reach play-off semi-finals in consecutive seasons.