PIRATES boss Matt Ford sealed a deal for "classy" Josh Grajczonek before insisting the Australian could prove a late bloomer – just like world champion Jason Doyle.

The 27-year-old Grajczonek joins compatriot Brady Kurtz in Poole's embryonic septet for 2018 having topped Somerset's averages on 7.34 last season.

And Ford believes the club asset – twice an Elite League winner with Pirates – can push his career to the next level in his late 20s.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "Josh has always done well for us. He is a classy rider and it won't take him long to find the quickest way around Poole again.

"What I'm looking for is certain riders who I know can get eight or nine points every match and that's what I feel I will get with Josh.

"He played a major role in helping us win the title in 2013 and 2014 and is a really likeable lad. He is a great friend to Brady Kurtz and is very popular with Neil Middleditch and me.

"When he asked if he could come back, my immediate thoughts were that I would very much like to have him in the team.

"He is a highly sought-after rider in Poland and is moving forward in the sport. Jason Doyle is a classic example of someone who didn't excel until he was 27 or 28 but now in his 30s is the best rider in the world.

"Whether Josh has the ability to go to those dizzy heights I don't know – but I do know he has more in him."

Queenslander Grajczonek bases himself in Manchester during the season and shares digs with fellow racer Kyle Howarth.

But Ford has given the former Swindon and Belle Vue man the option of accommodation in Dorset should he wish to avoid lengthy trips for home meetings.

Ford added: "It's a long haul for Josh so I have offered him the opportunity to move down here and live with me and my wife.

"We are expecting a house-full this year because there will be other signings shortly who will need accommodation."

Grajczonek first rode for Pirates in 2013 when he was brought in as a replacement for Kozza Smith.

The Townsville charger quickly became a firm favourite with the Wimborne Road faithful and played a key role in the play-offs, scoring a combined 23 paid 26 as Poole sunk Birmingham in the two-legged final.

His previous hauls against Swindon in the semis meant he totalled 38 paid 43 across the four knockout ties.

Grajczonek was an unsung hero of the 2014 title-winning side but was cruelly denied the chance to ride in the play-offs having sustained a broken collarbone in the Premier League Riders' Championship.

He returned for a four-meeting stint at the start of the following season, providing temporary cover for injured countryman Davey Watt.

Ford has 27.08 points with which to recruit his final five riders.

Pirates 2018: Brady Kurtz 8.08, Josh Grajczonek 7.34.