POOLE team boss Neil Middleditch says big-name Elite League rivalries would become more regular if British speedway adopted a squad system.

Much was made of the clash between Grand Prix star Antonio Lindback and double world champion Tai Woffinden ahead of Pirates’ play-off first-leg defeat of Wolverhampton on Wednesday.

The pair, who have both sat out British racing in the past, are set to again lock horns for the second stanza at Monmore Green on Monday.

Lindback did not race in the Elite League for nine years prior to this week’s meeting, while Woffinden has taken a much shorter break to focus on the world championship and his continental commitments.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “Over the past few years the Elite League has become a bit diluted with all the Grand Prix riders moving away from the UK.

“Hopefully, having GP riders on show for the play-offs will put bums on seats because a lot of people don’t get the chance to see the likes of Antonio and Tai.

“I don’t blame the GP riders for moving abroad and am a firm campaigner for the squad system. Antonio has a young family and I fully understand he doesn’t want to be away for another 28 meetings in the UK.

“I think if he and other similar riders could ride eight to 10 meetings here then it would be them back and in turn bring the fans back.

“Although we are very well supported at Poole, some of the clubs around the country certainly need an injection of talent to bring the crowds in.”

Lindback and Pirates team-mate Chris Holder are due to ride in tonight’s Stockholm Grand Prix (6pm BST). The meeting is crucial for Lindback, who is battling to retain his GP status for next year.

Sydneysider Holder, meanwhile, is still in with a decent shot of a medal, sitting just 11 points behind third-placed Woffinden.