PROMOTER Matt Ford revealed he had not considered Davey Watt for his new Pirates line-up – despite admitting the veteran Aussie's average was a bargain.

Poole asset Watt will hope to put a nightmare 2016 behind him after signing for SGB Premiership newcomers Rye House earlier this month.

A five-time league winner with Pirates, Watt was axed by Ford in April after a disappointing start to the season in the skull and crossbones.

Although the 38-year-old got fixed up at Leicester a fortnight later, he lasted just six meetings before being replaced by Ludvig Lindgren.

Watt will begin the new campaign on a 7.56 average and Ford has backed the Queensland-born charger to deliver at Hoddesdon.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "Things didn't work out for Davey at Poole last year but in fairness they didn't work out for him anywhere.

"It was unfortunate and without going into too much detail, he had an awful lot of personal issues which I think played a massive part in his form.

"Honestly, I didn't consider Davey in this year's team, even though he was on a bargain average.

"But I actually think he is better suited to go and gain his confidence at another club. I have no doubt he will be a very good rider for Rye House."