PIRATES legend Bjarne Pedersen rubber-stamped his return to Wimborne Road and admitted: "Poole has always felt like my home".

The experienced Dane yesterday joined the reigning Elite League champions as a replacement for Davey Watt, who has experienced a rocky start to the season.

Pedersen is a hugely popular figure in Dorset having amassed more than 3,500 points in Poole colours, with only Craig Boyce higher on the all-time list.

Having helped Poole win league titles in 2003, 2004 and 2008 among a host of silverware, Pedersen made his return to the club on a 6.55 average.

The 37-year-old signed for Lakeside in the winter but was swiftly released due to fixture clashes and was relieved to earn an opportunity elsewhere, with Poole's approach proving welcome.

Pedersen told the Daily Echo: "Of course we all know I signed for Lakeside but they made a late change and left me out.

"It was an easy decision to come to England when the chance came and it was even better that the door opened at Poole. It has always felt like my home in British speedway.

"The team is again looking very solid. I am coming into a great team and I am really looking forward to being a part of it.

"Every time I have spoken to Matt Ford he has said 'will you come back and do one more season before you finish?'

"This move was not planned at all but I am happy to take the chance."

Pedersen admitted he had spoken to countryman Hans Andersen – Pirates' interim captain following Watt's departure – over set-ups at Wimborne Road and stressed he may need time to adjust.

"I talked to Hans about the set-up in England because it's been a few years since I rode at Poole, although I did Darcy Ward's meeting last year," said Pedersen.

"It's great to be back in the same team as Hans as we haven't been in the same team since I was last at the club.

"I'm sure I will need a bit of time to settle in England as I will be bringing fresh equipment over and the Poole track is a bit of a tricky track to come to.

"Hopefully, I will settle quite quickly and do what Neil Middleditch expects of me on away tracks.

"I think maybe it is more important to score what the team needs away from home and, hopefully, soon I will be up and running at home as well."

Meanwhile, Pirates will have to contend with seven-time British champion Scott Nicholls when they travel to King's Lynn in the Elite League tomorrow.

The Belle Vue charger has been drafted in by the Stars as cover for the injured Rory Schlein.

Aussie star Schlein suffered a shoulder injury and concussion in a spill involving Coventry's Kacper Woryna a fortnight ago.