LOYAL Pirates promoter Matt Ford swooped for the services of Hans Andersen for 2017 and then admitted: "He was always a certainty."

While former Grand Prix star Andersen agreed a two-year deal last winter, his stay was dependent on British speedway not throwing up "anything untoward in its rules", according to Ford.

And with many SGB Premiership riders – including Andersen – facing beefed-up averages next term following a revamp, there was doubt in some quarters that the popular Dane would return.

However, Ford revealed there had never been any concern in his mind that Andersen would come back to Wimborne Road, even on a 10.01 average.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "Hans and I had a deal in place and in my opinion he was always a certainty. I hadn't considered any team without him in it. He was in every permutation.

"I feel that while Hans's average is at the upper limit of where I would like to go, I am a big fan of his.

"I was keen to make him a Pirate again. He is very easy to deal with and is desperate to help the team win the league and cup next year.

"He is certainly a major part of the team and I welcome him back."

Twelfth in the top flight averages last season, Andersen took over the captaincy when Aussie veteran Davey Watt was axed in April.

He enjoyed a strong season in the skull and crossbones but his campaign ended in disappointment when he was ruled out of the play-offs, having broken a finger on his clutch hand at Leicester at the end of August.

Andersen was replaced by Grand Prix flier Antonio Lindback for the play-off semi-final meetings against Wolverhampton, a signing which failed to pay off after Lindback succumbed to illness ahead of the second leg at Monmore Green.

Wolves overturned a 12-point deficit and went on to defeat Belle Vue in the final.

Ford has handed Andersen the skipper role for 2017 and is keen to see the 36-year-old swiftly banish his injury disappointment.

The Pirates chief added: "I believe Hans will relish the opportunity to lead the Pirates again and I hope he takes us to a championship next year.

"Last season, his injury played a significant role in us not reaching the final. Anton came in and scored five points at home but then was sick for our meeting at Wolverhampton, and we only scored two points on his rides.

"On his previous visit to Wolverhampton, Hans scored 14 so I genuinely believe he would have been a trump card for us. We would have been going to Wolverhampton and securing a place in the final.

"But that wasn't meant to be and there are no excuses."

With 17.17 points used up on Andersen and Aussie youngster Jack Holder, Ford has 32.83 points with which to recruit Poole's remaining five riders.

Pirates 2017: Hans Andersen 10.01, Jack Holder 7.16.