PIRATES chief Matt Ford drafted in Thomas H Jonasson as cover for injured Richie Worrall and said: “Thomas has always performed when we’ve needed him most”.

Jonasson comes in on a 4.64 average, meaning Nico Covatti will move to number two and the Swede will join Ricky Wells at reserve.

Jonasson became a Poole asset in 2011 when Ford secured his signature from the Edinburgh Monarchs – and the Swede proved to be money well spent as he helped Pirates claim the Elite League title the same year.

After switching to Peterborough in 2012, Jonasson returned to Pirates in May 2013 – again helping the club to the top-flight title.

Speaking about his return for 2019, owner Ford said: “I’m delighted to have agreed terms with Thomas and it will be great working with him again.

“The boys have done superbly covering for Richie since his injury but I think now is the right time to bring someone in as the past couple of meetings have shown that rider replacement is perhaps holding us back.

“Thomas has always performed when we’ve needed him most, as he showed in 2011 and 2013 and hopefully he can be a good omen for us again this season as we look to secure a play-off place.”

Subject to BSPA approval, Jonasson will line up for Pirates at Ipswich on Thursday.