CO-PROMOTER Danny Ford announced the final two riders of Pirates’ class of 2020 and insisted: “I am over the moon with it.”

The Wimborne Road outfit have opted to bring in Australian duo Zane Keleher and Ben Cook – both set to arrive as assets on four-point averages.

They join Danny King (8.45), Adam Ellis (7.80), Steve Worrall (7.38), Stefan Nielsen (4.40) and Josh MacDonald (4.00) to complete Poole’s SGB Championship septet.

Pirates will be team managed for home and southern fixtures by Neil Middleditch, with Gary Havelock returning to take the reins for away fixtures.

Asked whether he felt the line-up could compete for the title in the second tier, Ford told the Daily Echo: “Absolutely. We always look to put a title challenging team together. I am over the moon with it. We have a fantastic mix of Brits, Aussies, experience and youth coming in.

“With the three heat leaders we have got (King, Worrall and Ellis), we have an absolute powerhouse that can hopefully spearhead the Pirates into the play-offs.

“The Aussies and Stefan Nielsen I’m sure will all be fighting for the second-strings.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the riding order changed throughout the season, all the boys will be working together but there will also be a little bit of competition between them.”

Newest recruits Keleher and Cook are both set to make their British debuts at Wimborne Road this season. Both competed in their national championship this winter – Keleher, a former motocross rider, did however pick up an injury.

Ford said: “It was a funny one with Zane. He was someone we really wanted to see because he has been incredibly keen and in contact with us multiple times.

“His first ride of the first round, he injured himself. But ultimately it seems like the right move to bring him in.

“He is incredibly highly-rated by a lot of people from Australia. I am excited to see him. He seems quite the professional in all of his marketing setup and branding.

“If he can bring that same level of professionalism to his racing, I am sure we are on to a winner there.”

He added: “Ben’s brother Zach is riding for Somerset this year and is another highly-rated young rider. We have taken recommendations of friends of Poole Speedway in Australia to find out more information about these guys.

“They are both really keen and we are really looking forward to seeing both now.”

Pirates are set to begin their league campaign at home against rivals Somerset on April 1.