PIRATES chief Matt Ford has revealed he is keen to find a place in next year's line-up for Kyle Newman – regardless of the outcome of next month's speedway summit.

Elite League promoters are due to convene for their AGM in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire at the start of November to discuss rules for next season – including the team-building limit – and Ford is fearful his views may not tally with the majority.

However, regardless of the level at which the points limit is set, Ford admits he wants to include in his 2017 septet Poole-born Newman, who split his time between the reserve spots and the main body of the team this year.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "I don't think it's going to be an easy AGM. I think entirely differently to many other promoters in terms of the strength the Elite League should be.

"I would much prefer a stronger Elite League whereas many would prefer a weaker Elite League than we have now. Sadly, if that is the feeling of the room then it's going to be a fight to change things.

"At this point in time, it's impossible for me to finalise any contracts because I don't know what the structure will be.

"But certainly, in Kyle Newman I see absolutely no reason why he won't continue his career and progression at Poole.

"In the grand final, he beat the reigning world champion on his own track at Wolverhampton and at Poole. It was no fluke – he beat him twice in a week, fair and square.

"I'd like to see Kyle now secure a contract in Poland and, potentially, in a year or two, in Sweden. For him to progress further, he needs to be racing in those countries.

"But there's absolutely no reason why Kyle will not represent Poole, as long as he – and we – remain sensible."

Ford revealed one of the key reasons for his continued support for Newman, aside from his evident ability, was the 24-year-old's insatiable hunger to win trophies with the Dorset club.

The doubling-up charger starred in the play-off semi-final defeat to Wolverhampton, banking 26 paid 29 across the two-legged clash, nearly a third of Pirates' points.

Ford added: "If I could pick one rider who I have total confidence wants to win more than all others, it is Kyle Newman. There is no question how much he wants to win for Poole.

"I'm being slightly unfair to Bjarne Pedersen and Hans Andersen, who are absolutely devastated we got to this point in the season and failed to win it.

"I do make mention of those two in particular. Many others I haven't heard from since the defeat to Wolverhampton.

"Certainly Hans and Bjarne wear the skull and crossbones with pride, so I am also disappointed for them that the season finished as it did."