OWNER Matt Ford believes Pirates fans will take to heart new signing Ondřej Smetana as he comes into Poole’s SGB Championship line-up.

The Czech charger comes in to replace Aussie Zane Keleher, who rode his final meeting for the Winborne Road side on Wednesday before joining Plymouth Gladiators.

Ford told the club website: “I am delighted that Ondřej has accepted the chance to join Poole and that our redeclaration has been approved.

“Right now, though we are currently trying to ensure that he can get clearance to travel to the UK in time for our next meeting on July 13, when we visit Plymouth.

"In Ondřej, I feel that we have a rider very much in form and with plenty to offer and I welcome him to Poole where he will begin his British career.

“Originally he was in Newcastle's plans for 2020 but because of the cancellation of that season he never had the chance to ride for them.

“I know that he is very keen to forge a name for himself beyond his home country of Czechia and I have a feeling that Poole fans will quickly take him to heart."