LINUS Sundstrom gave Matt Ford the green light to pull out of a protracted transfer swoop – and then hailed the Pirates boss for sticking to his guns.

World Cup winner Sundstrom was finally unveiled as a member of Poole's one-to-seven at the end of January following months of uncertainty.

Polish speedway's three-league rule meant the 27-year-old had initially been ineligible to ride in the SGB Premiership as he already had contracts in place with Ekstraliga big-hitters Gorzow and Swedish clubs Masarna and Piraterna.

However, after the regulation was lifted and Gorzow gave their approval, Sundstrom was free to complete the move he had wanted all winter.

Reflecting on the saga, Sundstrom told the Daily Echo: "It was a very long wait. Me and Matt made our minds up really early after the AGM but we couldn't do anything because of the Polish rules.

"We were in touch every week and we hoped it would be sorted. I was not too sure but Matt was and I guess that's why he was hanging on for me.

"It was a frustrating time because my mind was set on racing in England all winter.

"At one point before Christmas, I phoned Matt and said: 'I fully understand if you have to leave me now and finish your team off. I'll take it if you can't wait longer.'

"But he kept hanging on and I really appreciate that and here we are. Better late than never. We all got we wanted so it was worth waiting."

Sundstrom today jetted into Britain to meet Ford and team boss Neil Middleditch alongside sponsors and fans, a long day capped by turning out for the Riders' Equipment Fund quiz night at Wimborne Road.

The Swede has not raced in the league on these shores since 2013 when he rode in Coventry's final top-flight meeting of the year, having earlier in the campaign had his spell at Peterborough cut short by injury.

Sundstrom added: "I've been in touch with a few English clubs in the few years I've not been racing in Britain and it's never felt right.

"I've kept myself busy in Poland and Sweden and with individual meetings and the World Cup as well, I have been racing regularly.

"But I want to progress more in my career. The tracks and the racing are so different over here to Sweden and Poland and there are more meetings at the beginning of the year.

"When I start the Swedish season, normally I have only done two meetings in Poland but in Britain we are really busy in March and April so this year I will have done 15 meetings by the time Sweden starts.

"I should be race-fit a lot earlier than in the years before."

Avesta-born Sundstrom first ignited Ford's interest in 2012 when he beat the Turbo Twins – Darcy Ward and Chris Holder – en route to a 10 paid 11 haul for Peterborough at Wimborne Road.