CHRIS Holder admitted his head had been turned by the prospect of a move to Somerset but said of his Pirates return: "I'm happy to be here."

The former world champion had hoped to link up with younger brother Jack in 2018 after the duo spent last year at King's Lynn and Poole, respectively, a troubled campaign for Chris ending with him being axed by the Stars in July and serving a suspension.

However, Pirates boss Matt Ford did not plan an immediate return for Jack and the ex-Plymouth racer completed a loan move to Somerset in December.

The Rebels had been interested in a double swoop for the brothers, with Chris keen to provide help and support for his sibling's career.

But Ford remained steadfast and Poole asset Chris signed for a 10th campaign at Wimborne Road in January.

Reflecting on the saga, Holder senior told the Daily Echo: "I was going to Somerset because it wasn't going to happen here and I wasn't too pleased with how the track had been.

"I was looking for something new and the Somerset deal sounded good. They were really positive about what they wanted to do and could have had me and Jack there.

"Ever since Jack came to England, I've tried to steer him in the right direction and help him out.

"If there was a chance me and him could be together, of course I would want to go as a pair. I thought he would be at Poole but Matt had different plans and I was looking at other options, too.

"I was all for (joining Somerset) but I spoke to Matt and he didn't want that to happen. We went through a lot of things which were going on in my personal life and got through all that stuff, and he said he would do something about the track and kept to his word.

"Somerset didn't work out but this came about and I'm happy to be here. I call this place home and this is the track I've ridden the most in the world.

"It's been a long time since I've raced here so I'm looking forward to getting some laps in and going from there."

In an address to supporters and sponsors at today's press and practice, Ford revealed Danish star Peter Kildemand had been approached to stand in for Holder on a short-term basis to allow the latter to deal with undisclosed personal issues.

Kildemand's move is yet to be finalised but it is understood the former Grand Prix charger would be brought in for around four to six meetings.

Ford told the Daily Echo in January that he and Holder had discussed the possibility of a "longer partnership" after the Sydneysider's King's Lynn loan switch failed to work out for either party.

And Holder has welcomed the prospect of a lengthy stay at the Dorset club.

He said: "That's what you want when you are a rider. You don't want to be racing one year and wondering where you are going to be the next year.

"It's good to be able to stay somewhere a few years and build up knowledge of the track and build sponsors – it works out better when you are somewhere for a longer time."

Asked if he saw himself always riding at Poole, Holder said: "Yes, pretty much. I don't live far away and this is where I started my Elite League career.

"It's pretty normal for me to be on the home side of the pits."