PROMOTER Matt Ford insisted he would keep his options open regarding the make up of his Poole team for next season – but admitted Chris Harris would “definitely come into the equation”.

Ford said Harris, who is affectionately known as ‘Bomber’, had made a “significant difference” to morale in the Pirates camp since being drafted in a month ago.

Harris replaced Linus Sundstrom after the Swede had asked to be taken out of the firing line and has banked 34 paid 41 points from 23 rides.

The three-time British champion and three-time Elite League winner will be hoping to maintain his form when Poole host SGB Premiership rivals Somerset tomorrow (7.30pm).

Asked by the Daily Echo whether Harris was in his thoughts for next season, Ford said: “We need to wait and see what happens with the rules to know what we will have to play with but there has already been one discussion with Bomber.

“A number of club assets – Brady Kurtz, Kacper Woryna, Frederik Jakobsen, Nicolai Klindt, Josh Grajczonek and Jack Holder – have done themselves proud and all of them will come into consideration.

“Our form had started to pick up just before Bomber’s arrival and we were certainly begining to get positive results.

“We have picked up at least a point from our past 13 matches but there is no doubt Bomber coming in has made a significance difference in terms of morale.

“Don’t get me wrong, we are a team and not about one rider. Bomber scored five paid seven against Leicester on Thursday, Josh got eight paid 11, Nicolai rode a faultless three-ride maximum and Brady chipped in with eight.

“We really are a team which, on our day, will be very hard to beat but it isn’t a shock to anyone to see that Bomber has come in and made a difference.

“I know the fans have taken him to heart and he is certainly someone who would definitely come into an equation, should that arise in forthcoming seasons.”

Asked what qualities Harris brought to the team, Ford said: “Potentially, it is like having another captain in the team.

“He had led clubs from the front and was in the Grand Prix for many seasons so his experience, especially with the younger guys, has been invaluable.

“I know he is enjoying it. He is not having to take all the pressure himself because there are riders around him who are very good as well.

“Having him on-board has just lifted the whole morale of the club. But that is not to say we don’t miss Linus because we do and he is a great guy.

“Bomber’s extra experience in the UK is making us a different team. Riders around him have all improved and I think he has certainly had that type of effect on us so long may it continue.”