TEAM boss Neil Middleditch is hoping Hans Andersen will not rub more salt into Poole’s wounds when they lock horns with SGB Premiership rivals Leicester tomorrow.

Andersen linked up with the Lions at the start of the season after leaving Pirates to make way for Chris Holder’s anticipated return to Wimborne Road.

However, following a protracted saga, Holder was eventually prevented from riding for the club due to ongoing issues with a work permit.

Andersen, a two-time winner of the Craven Shield and Elite Shield during three spells with Poole, will be hoping to help the Lions steal a march in the race for the play-offs.

Middleditch told the Daily Echo: “We wanted Chris and I think it would have been a great move, but, sadly, it panned out the wrong way.

“Hindsight is a wonderful thing and perhaps we could have kept Hans.

“But we felt with Chris in the team, it would have been great with Josh Grajczonek and Brady Kurtz due to the Aussie connection.

“It didn’t happen and I am sure Hans will want to rub our noses in it.”

Fifth-placed Leicester are three points ahead of Pirates and include Todd Kurtz in their ranks, the older brother of Poole spearhead Brady Kurtz.

“They both live with me so I am sure there will be some Bailie House rivalry!” laughed Middleditch.

“Todd has been going quite well for them and, when you race against your sibling, you do tend to try that bit harder so we are certainly not expecting an easy run.

“Both Todd and Brady have their workshops at my house and they are great lads.

“Darcy Ward stayed with me for many years and became like a son and now I have two others so they are part of the family.”

Asked whether he gave the Kurtz boys any chores around the house, Middleditch replied: “I have a little motocross track in the garden which is the only thing they tend to look after!”