PROMOTER Matt Ford admitted a focus on delivering the new Turbo Twins had proved a key factor in his decision to bring back Brady Kurtz to Pirates.

Ford revealed he had considered Kacper Gomolski for the final team place at Wimborne Road, while former Grand Prix star Troy Batchelor was another option.

However, ultimately Ford chose to stick with reigning Australian champion and club asset Kurtz, who finished on a 6.44 average in the top flight this year but will begin on 7.65 next term based on his 2016 Premier League rating.

While admitting Kurtz had fallen short in the play-off semi-final against Wolverhampton in September – the youngster failed to score in the second leg – Ford felt his long-term view of keeping the 20-year-old and partner in crime Jack Holder together should be retained.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "There were other options around which were just as appealing. It did go through my mind over which way to go with Kacper, or whether to bring someone back to the club who hasn't ridden here for a couple of years.

"I took everything into consideration in the respect of having to employ mechanics and pay for flights et cetera. The logical decision was to keep Brady because he would be based here.

"He sent me an extremely nice message apologising for letting the club down in its hour of need against Wolverhampton and said it would not happen again.

"But for me, he showed enough last year to prove he is more than capable of being a great force in the sport.

"I feel the commitment made to Brady to bring him into the club wasn't just for one season, it was with a view to Jack Holder and Brady leading the club just as Darcy Ward and Chris Holder had done over a long period.

"And that is what I hope those guys will do in the future."

Batchelor struggled at King's Lynn last season but even with his 5.26 average beefed up to 7.36 under new regulations, that figure still appears a bargain.

Ford had first option on the former Swindon man as he was granted access to the retained list of former Peterborough co-owners Rick Frost and Julie Mahoney when they took a step back from the sport.

But although Ford decided against signing Batchelor, he believes the Queenslander will increase his stock having rejoined the Stars for next year.

The Poole chief added: "Batchelor is on an absolute bargain average. As he showed in the Blue Riband, he has clearly got the ability to up his average.

"I think only four or five riders will improve their averages this year but Batchelor has the ability to do so.

"Krzysztof Kasprzak won't achieve 11.07, Hans Andersen won't achieve 10.01 and Jack Holder won't achieve 7.16. Nicolai Klindt will increase his average and I believe Batchelor will be another one who will."

Pirates 2017: Krzysztof Kasprzak 11.07, Hans Andersen 10.01, Brady Kurtz 7.65, Jack Holder 7.16, Kyle Newman 6.31, Nicolai Klindt 5.42, James Shanes 2.00.