PIRATES star Josh Grajczonek admitted he had been stunned and honoured after being handed the captain's role.

The 28-year-old Aussie was given the nod over the other contenders – Brady Kurtz, Linus Sundstrom and Chris Holder – by boss Matt Ford.

Grajczonek, who skippered previous club Somerset, told the Daily Echo: "I was shocked when Matt messaged me and said he was going to make me captain.

"Poole is a massive club. It always has been and always will be. For him to say that was satisfying.

"Hopefully, the boys will listen to me! I'm looking forward to it and, hopefully, we will have a good year and win some silverware.

"It's a challenge because you are trying to keep the boys' confidence up and if someone is having a rough go, you have to try to boost them up.

"I like doing that and trying to help the boys in general. You want to win as a team. At the end of the year, if you win then you are happy and the boss is happy."

Pirates have never failed to earn league title success in a year in which Grajczonek has ridden for the club.

The Manchester-based charger joined Poole on a full transfer from Glasgow in November 2013.