Danny Ford moves to reassure Poole Pirates supporters

Some clubs in England's top two divisions have already named their full septets for next year, while most have named at least a handful of riders.

However, Pirates have so far remained tight-lipped, not announcing any names who will be lining up in the skull and crossbones for the defence of the SGB Championship and Knockout Cup trophies.

"I would like to inform our fans that, although we have not yet announced any team plans for the 2022 season, matters are progressing well behind the scenes and that the club will not be left behind," Ford told Pirates' website.

"I know most clubs have already made announcements for their teams for 2022.

"Our silence is absolutely no indication that we are not ahead in the game, and provided things slot in to place, as we are expecting them to do so, then we will have a team to be proud of.

"I can guarantee to our fans that it is our intent to put together a team that is more than capable of retaining the titles we won this season, but as things currently stand we are not quite yet in a position to reveal our hand.

"However, we anticipate that we should be in a position within the next month to announce our signings."

Poole have also announced the club shop will be open on December 11, 12, 18 and 19 for supporters to drop in and purchase Christmas gifts, with opening hours of 9am to 1pm.

Ford said: "We also hope by then to be in a position to take season tickets applications, as we are aware a number of people are interested in these as gifts too.

"As things currently stand we are just awaiting confirmation of the final make-up of the Championship in terms of team numbers, which will determine the number of fixtures we have to cost in. But we would expect the format of the league to be confirmed within the next week and we will be publishing more details once we know the final costs of the season tickets."