PIRATES boss Matt Ford backed returning star Brady Kurtz to flourish – after releasing pressure from the Aussie’s shoulders.

Kurtz rode the entire regular season at number one in 2018 following news that former world champion Chris Holder would be unable to take his place in the septet.

The former Somerset racer dropped a point on his average and was subject to criticism from fans who claimed he was not an out-and-out number one.

But Ford felt club asset Kurtz, who missed the play-off final victory over King’s Lynn after breaking his collarbone, had done a good job.

And the promoter had no hesitation in making the 22-year-old his second signing for next year's campaign.

Ford, who has also brought in reserve Nico Covatti, told the Daily Echo: “As far as I’m concerned, for as long as I’m running Poole Speedway, Brady will be a nailed-on certainty to be in the team.

“He is a very likeable lad and is improving.

“I think we will see a more relaxed rider with less pressure on his shoulders in 2019. It’s not easy when people go online and criticise your ability.

“He wasn’t signed as a number one, I’ve made that abundantly clear. It just happened to be that he started there.

“Had the Chris Holder situation not changed, Chris would have been our number one.

“It’s one of those sad things. It’s not great that Brady took all that abuse. But at least people can no longer throw the line at him that he’s our number one, because he’s not.

“When someone takes over the mantle of number one, it’s not an easy position to be in.

“You are coming up against some very good riders, just as Chris Harris showed in the play-off final where he had 10 races and didn’t win one.

“Brady comes back in on 7.05 which is a much better figure for us than the 8.08 he started the last campaign on.

“I hope a little less pressure and not starting the season at number one may benefit us all.”

Ford insisted New South Wales flier Kurtz had never had designs on leaving his adopted home.

“He’s now entering his fourth campaign with us and is a Pirate through and through,” said Ford.

“I don’t foresee that Brady would want to ride anywhere else.

“This signing is not going to shock anyone because everyone knows my feelings about him and that the kid has real ability.

“There was never any thoughts from either of us that it would be any different. We both knew he would enter my plans and I knew he wouldn’t look to go elsewhere.

“It’s a nice, simple deal.”

The signings of Kurtz and Covatti mean Ford has 30.75 points left to play with for the remaining five team spots.

Pirates 2019: Brady Kurtz (7.05), Nico Covatti (4.70).