PIRATES boss Matt Ford signed Edward Kennett to replace Krzysztof Kasprzak – before admitting the under-fire Pole could return next season.

Brought in as a replacement for fans' favourite Chris Holder, former world number two Kasprzak has endured a hugely disappointing campaign in the skull and crossbones, worsened by the broken collarbone he sustained in May.

And Ford finally ran out of patience with the 33-year-old when he scored a paltry three points in the galling home defeat to fierce rivals Swindon on Wednesday.

However, while Ford admitted the time had been right to relieve Kasprzak of his duties, he insisted the ex-Grand Prix star could prove a "championship winner" for Poole next term.

The Pirates chief told the Daily Echo: "Of course it has been on my mind, time and time again, about Krzysztof's lack of form.

"After his words about coming back from injury, I honestly thought we would see the Krzysztof we all know but it's not happening. It seemed to almost be a lack of confidence at times.

"But let's not criticise because it could be that he comes back to the club next season on an absolute bargain average.

"On a 5.5-point average, he is a championship winner if you can get him in the right frame of mind."

For now, though, Ford is pleased to proceed to the sharp end of the season with Kennett, who comes into the septet rated at 6.82.

Axed by Rye House at the end of last month, Kennett previously rode for Poole in 2005 and 2007 and the 30-year-old was keen to rubber-stamp his return ahead of the transfer deadline on July 31.

Ford added: "Ed has always given his all for the club in the past and I think we know what we are going to get, which is 100 per cent effort.

"That's probably the one thing the Poole fans want to see more than anything at the moment – someone putting in effort on the track.

"Ed was very keen to join the club. He contacted me a couple of weeks ago when he lost his team place and at the time I wanted to give Krzysztof every chance of recapturing his form.

"Clearly, we have got to the 11th hour and it's failed to happen. It's a no-brainer move because we need to have someone who is looking committed riding for the club.

"It took 20 seconds to secure a deal. He had just been offered another position, which he chose not to accept, and it is pleasing that he wanted to come to us."

Kennett's arrival means captain Hans Andersen will shift to number one when Pirates lock horns with visitors Somerset in the SGB Premiership on Wednesday. Paul Starke and James Shanes are set to remain at reserve.

Poole are fourth in the league standings, six points clear of King's Lynn who have three meetings in hand.