Speedway: Howarth's 'dream' move to Poole (From Bournemouth Echo)

Speedway: Howarth's 'dream' move to Poole

7:00am Saturday 13th February 2010 in

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BUCCANEERS new boy Kyle Howarth has revealed four rival National League clubs were eager to snap him up.

But the highly-rated teenager chose Bournemouth because he also wanted to become an asset of Poole, who he labelled “a great club, one of the biggest in the world.”

Dudley, King’s Lynn, Weymouth and Scunthorpe, whom Howarth rode for last year, all chased the current British under-18 and 15 championship runner-up’s signature.

However, Howarth, who only celebrated his 16th birthday on Thursday, said: “There was only one club for me.

“It’s amazing to have signed for a team like Bournemouth, who are Poole’s nursery side.

“I never expected it really. It’s awesome, a really big thing for me – a real dream come true.

“When you race at Poole, the atmosphere is amazing.

“It’s a winning club and until something like this happens, the magnitude of it just doesn’t sink in. It’s been a brilliant birthday present, the best ever.”

Howarth was confirmed alongside ex-Newport and Weymouth rider Karl Mason, 23, as the final pieces in Buccaneers’ 2010 team jigsaw earlier this week.

The ex-Saint comes into the side on a 3.72 average, but insists he can improve on that figure.

Manchester-based Howarth said: “I was number two for all but six weeks of my first year for Scunthorpe last season and I hadn’t seen any of the tracks before.

“Also I was out in heat one against heat leaders, so I think I can definitely up my average because I start at reserve for Bournemouth.

“My aim will be to put points on the board and just enjoy myself, win for the team and get my average higher.”

Howarth, who met Buccaneers fans alongside his dad Jeff and mum Sandra when unveiled in the Champs Bar on Thursday, added: “I loved Poole’s track on my two visits here last year.

“It was really nice to ride and it’s a shame I didn’t go there more times.

“I really got on with it and by the end of my second meeting was just finding my gearing and how to ride the track.

“So it’ll be great riding here every week.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the rest of the Buccaneers boys at Sittingbourne today for our practice session.

“The first time I rode a speedway bike was at Buxton in July 2008 when I used to do grasstrack and moto cross, but now I can’t wait for the new speedway season to start.”