PROMOTER Matt Ford is certain Back to the Future-fanatic Hans Andersen will rewind to his trail-blazing days at Poole Pirates – so much so he has committed to a two-year deal for the Dane.

Ford confirmed his first winter recruit is set to retain his place in Poole’s septet for 2017 “on the understanding British speedway does not throw up anything untoward in its rules” and will be granted a testimonial due to his standing on Peterborough’s retained list, currently held by Pirates.

Film buff Andersen, 34, deliberately delayed revealing his return to Wimborne Road, where he rode with distinction in 2001, 2002 and 2009, until the day dedicated to his favourite 80s flick.

The swoop for a man who dropped from the top of Coventry’s order to a 6.45 average in 2015 may raise a few eyebrows but Ford has backed his silver screen aficionado to be box office next season and beyond.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “I am incredibly excited as I believe Hans to be an absolutely vital part of our team-building plans. The average he comes in on for 2016 is tremendous value.

“He had a low-key season on the back of a few issues, particularly in finding the right mechanic, but I cannot see anyone in speedway increasing their average more than he will, which is why we have committed to a two-year contract.

"I don’t want to effectively use him for one year and then kick him out. He is an immensely talented rider who has ambitions to get back into the Grand Prix and I think riding for Poole can help him achieve that.

“I know he was approached by other clubs so we have a very happy camp all round on the back of this news.

“Normally I ask people to have patience with riders while they find their feet but I don’t need to in this case – this guy will hit the ground running and will be point-scoring machine.

“I don’t want people to read too much into his starting average or how things went for him in 2015 and think he is on the way down because he will be in the top five riders by the end of 2016, of that I am absolutely certain.

“In my opinion, Hans Andersen is a championship-winning rider.”

Meanwhile, Ford said plans had been put in place to keep fixture clashes with Andersen’s Danish club Munkebo Scorpions, who also ride on Wednesdays, to a minimum.

“Having negotiated his contract in advance, we can work round his schedule,” he added.

“We expect the Danish calendar to be available before ours in February so Hans and I, along with his team manager in Denmark, will be working together to keep any crossover to a minimum.

"Everybody is determined to make it work so I don’t see it as a problem.”