MATT Ford has played down the prospect of Luke Becker’s immediate future lying with Poole – after the youngster paid Wimborne Road a visit.

The American, who is yet to ride in a British league, was present to witness Pirates’ 55-35 victory over Wolverhampton last week.

Boss Ford tried to entice Becker and Greg Hancock to ride in the Dorset club’s 70th anniversary meeting in March but that did not materialise and the meeting was postponed anyway.

Discussing the rider who nearly joined Edinburgh ahead of this season, Ford told the Daily Echo: “I thought it would be good to get to know Luke.

“It was nice to be able to discuss the future with him, not necessarily at Poole but to have a chat with him about speedway in general.

“Luke came across to see a couple of meetings and ours was one of them.

“He is very keen to get into the UK next year. He is living with Maciej Janowski in Poland but is trying to find out more about the UK.

“He needs to get a work permit and he didn’t get one this year, hence he is not in the UK now.

“But he is showing signs of improvement on the track.”