NICOLAI Klindt admits Pirates are not a team of big hitters – but insists strength in depth can help them challenge for a second straight title triumph.

Poole will in April begin their SGB Premiership title defence with returning riders Klindt, Brady Kurtz, Josh Grajczonek and Richie Worrall joined by Jack Holder, Nico Covatti and Nikolaj Busk Jakobsen.

Danish star Klindt played a key role in Pirates' eighth league crown in 16 seasons having rejoined in May, starring in the play-offs and riding in the title-winning heat at King's Lynn.

He told the Daily Echo: “I think Matt (Ford, boss) had a lot of sleepless nights over who to choose and what style of team to come up with.

“He has come up with a good bunch of lads who are able to have a laugh and also back each other up because that’s what won us the title last year.

“We weren’t the strongest team on paper but still came out on top and, without talking the team down, it’s the same sort of scenario this time round.

“Other teams like Swindon, Peterborough and Wolverhampton have bigger hitters but we are really solid all the way through."