TEAM boss Neil Middleditch would love Chris Holder to spearhead a thrilling Aussie axis at Pirates next year.

The former world champion, a five-time league title winner with the Wimborne Road club, was left out of promoter Matt Ford's plans for the season just gone due to his weighty average.

In the Sydneysider's absence, Krzysztof Kasprzak failed miserably to fulfil the number one role and Poole went the whole campaign without an out-and-out points machine.

Middleditch is keen for Chris Holder to return to Pirates colours in 2018 and wants him to form a triple-pronged attack alongside brother Jack Holder and electric talent Brady Kurtz.

He told the Daily Echo: "I would like to see Chris back. Chris, Jack and Brady in the team would be great but at the end of the day it's not my decision, it's Matt's.

"We will discuss it but we also have to think what is good for the team. We have to get the strength in depth right as well.

"Chris lives in the area so it is an ideal scenario for him but we will just have to see what happens.

"You need a spearhead up front who is going to be banging in the 10s and 12s every week so there is less pressure on the lower-order boys and they can go about their job and get sixes and sevens.

"Brady is heading into his third year in the top league and has more experience now. He's a good rider but I don't think he's an out-and-out number one yet, although I'm sure he will be.

"He has time on his side and it would be nice to have someone come in who the boys can look up to and go to for advice. The likes of Tony Rickardsson, Leigh Adams and Chris had that, they set an example which the youngsters learned from."

Jack Holder experienced mixed fortunes in his first British top-flight campaign, starting the season on a 7.16 average – which had been subject to a 1.4 multiplier – and ending it on 5.82.

Asked for his thoughts on the youngster's season, Middleditch added: "Hit and miss. He is his own worst enemy in that he lets his temper get the better of him and that impacts his riding. He needs to calm down, sit back and enjoy it.

"He can be a bit headstrong but he is brave and he can always turn to Chris for advice, which helps him.

"Next season, if he's back at Poole, I would hope he would step up a little bit more. Him and Brady are good friends so that could help with team spirit."

Ford has revealed few details over his team plans, only admitting his hopes of bringing in rising star Kacper Woryna as well as retaining Puddletown-based racer James Shanes at the bottom end.