MATT Ford has thrown down the gauntlet to Kyle Newman to "stamp his authority" on the SGB Championship and become a better all-round rider.

Doubling-up ace Newman will next year represent Ipswich in the second tier, alongside Pirates in the Premiership.

The Puddletown-based flier, who turns 25 on Wednesday, has ridden for Plymouth for the past three seasons so joining the Witches represents a move to new pastures.

And Poole chief Ford hopes a change of scene will help club asset Newman push to become a number one.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "I'm very pleased Kyle is fixed up at Ipswich who are a well-run club and I think Chris Louis will be a great benefit to him. I'm excited to see how he continues his progress in 2017.

"In my opinion, he rides the Premiership better than he does the Championship and that's something I would like to see him overcome this year.

"While he has been on the verge of Championship heat-leader status, I would like him to stamp his authority in the second tier and push to become a number one. It's time he did that.

"Consistency is the main issue for Kyle and he knows that. His gating does still need to improve and that's not a criticism, it's just a matter of fact.

"But he is getting there. There is no doubt it is immensely better than it was three or four years ago. Let's hope he can learn more and move on within the sport."

Poole announced Newman as their sixth recruit of the off-season last week, the former Somerset charger joining Krzysztof Kasprzak, Hans Andersen, Jack Holder, Nicolai Klindt and James Shanes in the line-up.

Ford had previously indicated Newman would be a likely inclusion and insisted his convictions had never wavered.

The promoter added: "In my opinion, Kyle was always a certainty.

"I felt that at the end of last season, he stepped up a gear in terms of his form and commitment. Perhaps where others failed and let the club down at the most important time, Kyle stepped up and proved his worth.

"Home and away victories over Tai Woffinden proved that to everybody in the sport."