ECSTATIC Pirates boss Matt Ford completed a sensational coup to bring Antonio Lindback back to Wimborne Road before insisting the Swede would provide the club with a "tonic" following Darcy Ward's career-ending injury.

Club asset Lindback, the Wimborne Road track record holder, will line up for Poole at the business end of the Elite League campaign after ending his nine-year British speedway hiatus.

The Rio Rocket, who replaces injured Hans Andersen, comes in on a newly assessed 7.00 average and will pull on the skull and crossbones race jacket for the first time since 2006.

Ford, in an exclusive interview with the Echo, said: "Rule 16.3.4.1 says that you have a seven-day window to replace a long-term injured rider for the play offs. That's what we are using to bring Antonio in.

"I can't remember a rider returning to the UK after such a long period of inactivity but we have got lucky. The approach was made at the right time as Anton has experienced one or two problems in Sweden at his club there so, timing wise, it's perfect.

"I have to say its pretty much a dream for me to bring him back. I never thought we would get this chance again and with the shadow that has been left following Darcy's injury, this is a huge tonic for the club."

Lindback, who won this year's British GP in Cardiff, last rode in the Elite League in 2007 during a largely unsuccessful spell for Belle Vue, but was part of the Pirates teams that claimed back-to-back Elite League titles in 2003 and 2004.

Ford added: "He was very young, boisterous and erratic back then but clearly a real talent. I see a huge change in him now. He seems far more level headed and has a family now and is taking his speedway very seriously."

The 31-year-old currently lies eighth in the Grand Prix standings and, should Poole face Wolves in the Elite League semi-finals as expected, Lindback will line up with three of the world's top-10 riders in world champion Tai Woffinden, Pirates spearhead Chris Holder and fellow Swede Freddie Lindgren.

Ford said: "This will be good to keep him busy before the remaining Grand Prix rounds and I'm delighted he's coming in. He is one of us but it has always been hard to get him back to these shores. This works perfectly for him and us."