JOE Thompson revealed he was considering writing off his frustrating 2023 season, describing his decision to accept a call from Poole Pirates as “the best choice I’ve made”.

Teenager Thompson was drafted in to replace the injured Adam Roynon at reserve for Pirates in August.

Pirates are the fifth club Thompson has been a part of this year, following a stint at Ipswich Witches in the Premiership, as well as previously being signed by Poole’s Championship rivals Birmingham Brummies and Scunthorpe Scorpions.

Thompson also rides for Leicester Lion Cubs in the National League.

He lost his place at Scunthorpe in May, before being replaced by twin brother Dan Thompson at Ipswich Witches in June.

Before getting the call from Pirates, Thompson had a spell on the sidelines after breaking his collarbone later in June, which saw him lose his team place at new club Birmingham.

“It was definitely a big boost,” Thompson told the Daily Echo, discussing his call from Poole.

“After breaking my collarbone I was contemplating not coming back this year and just having a bit of a rest from racing.

“But I’m really glad I said yes to the phone call. It was the best choice I’ve made and it’s just pushing me forward. I’m really, really enjoying it.

“I think you see a lot of riders come to Poole and leave here instantly better riders. I think that’s just down to the management and how helpful the other riders are around.”

In his nine meetings for Pirates so far, Thompson has totalled 39+15 across 39 races, which included a key paid nine in Poole’s crucial play-off win at Scunthorpe last month.

“It’s been really good so far,” said the 19-year-old.

“I’m definitely enjoying it and grateful for the opportunity.

“Poole’s not a track I know massively over the years.

“But it’s been doing me good to have a fair few meetings here recently. So I’ve been enjoying that and it was nice to win at Scunthorpe as well.

“It was such a high pressure meeting to make the final, so it was awesome.”

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Asked about losing team places elsewhere earlier this year, Thompson said: “I wasn’t really upset because it’s one of those things.

“It’s the numbers game of speedway and I think something probably needs to be sorted about it, losing too many British youngsters.

“But it was awesome when Poole gave me the call and the opportunity. I’ll definitely be grateful for that.

“I’ve ridden for a fair few teams this year that don’t really have the passion that Poole have. The want to win that they have makes me want to win for them too.”

From thinking his season could be over, Thompson is now looking to end it with two trophies.

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He is set to be part of the Pirates side who face Glasgow Tigers in the SGB Championship grand final, as well as taking on either Redcar Bears or Scunthorpe over two legs in the Knockout Cup final.

“I’d love that and I’d love that for Poole as well, to push them to a third title in three years, that would be really cool,” said Thompson.

“I’m obviously trying to put myself in the shop window.

“Obviously I’d like to come back to Poole next year, but it depends what’s happening with leagues and point averages and that sort of thing.

“I’ll just keep enjoying it while I’m here and see what happens.”