BJARNE Pedersen has shocked Pirates fans by revealing he will line up for Newcastle in his testimonial at Wimborne Road later this month.

But the Dane has been quick to point out he will be switching teams for one-night only and that his first love in British speedway is still Poole.

Pedersen also announced his Castle Cover Pirates team-mates Carl Stonehewer, Joe Screen and Jason Doyle will complete his benefit line-up on Wednesday, March 18.

“It’ll give them some valuable time to help get tuned into their new home track and that can only be good for the Poole team as a whole,” said Pedersen.

The Dane, who plans to practice at Rye House tomorrow, starred for Diamonds for two years before joining Poole in 2002.

He said: “It’s the last chance I’ll ever have to put on a Newcastle race jacket because I really hope I will stay with Poole for the rest of my British career.

“Newcastle were my first club over here and I think it’s a great chance to join their team for one-night only.

“If you cut me in half I would bleed the blue and white of Poole as they are my main British club, but it'll be fun to ride for Newcastle that night.”

Pedersen, who will arrive in Poole today following a winter lay-off spent mainly in his homeland, added: “Matt Ford has helped me out so much with getting top riders here like Antonio Lindback and Emil Sajfutdinov.

“So I wanted to help him by including Stoney, Screenie and Doyley.

“It’s a great chance for them to get some track time at Poole and for everyone else to do so as well.”

Confirmed line-ups, County Crest Pallets: 1 Chris Holder, 2 Antonio Lindback, 3 Davey Watt, 4 Krzysztof Kasprzak, 5 Hans Andersen, 6 Daniel Davidsson, 7 Jason Doyle.

Newcastle Phasion Diamonds: 1 Bjarne Pedersen, 2 Joe Screen, 3 Kenneth Bjerre, 4 Emil Sajfutdinov, 5 Nicki Pedersen, 6 Adam Skornicki, 7 Carl Stonehewer.