MATT Ford has confirmed Chris Holder and Darcy Ward will lead Pirates’ charge for Elite League honours next year.

Poole Castle Cover’s chief says the dynamic Aussie duo have “agreed terms” to return to Wimborne Road after they both starred for the club in 2010.

And Ford admits he’d like to see the talented pair from down under front the Dorset outfit’s hunt for silverware for as long as possible.

As expected, Grand Prix star Holder will wear Pirates’ number one race jacket, coming into the team on an 8.39 average.

Ward, the reigning world under-21 champion and club record signing, returns on 6.63, with both riders expected to increase those figures by the end of next season.

With current European under-19 champion Dennis Andersson already a confirmed Poole starter on an assessed average of 4.00, Ford has 20.98 to fit four more men into his side.

Davey Watt and Leon Madsen, who both rode for Pirates this year, have not been released for loan.

So they must be frontrunners to fill at least one of the remaining berths.

Another who could come into the equation is Nicolai Klindt, just released by Wolves, while Ford has promised “one or two surprises” in the Adam Skornicki-Joe Screen mode.

Highlighting Holder and Ward’s return, Ford said: “Chris and Darcy were always going to be top of my wanted list.

“Chris because he’s got the ability to be a great leader and because we haven’t seen the best of him by far yet.

“He certainly has it in him to become a nine-point rider in the Elite.

“Darcy because he was outstanding for us this year.

“He’s still a young lad who at times will make mistakes, but I wouldn’t be surprised if in 2012 he became a GP rider.

“You can never tell what rules the promoters will come up with each year, but at this point I’d say these two guys will lead our quest for honours over the next few years.

“We’re hoping to be in a position to announce one more signing by the end of this week. If not, at the beginning of next week.”