PATIENT Matt Ford plans to hold talks with his Pirates riders before making a decision on who will take the captaincy.

Hans Andersen's departure to Leicester means the role is open, with Josh Grajczonek, Linus Sundstrom, Brady Kurtz and Chris Holder the contenders.

And boss Ford is keeping an open mind over who will become skipper with the SGB Premiership campaign drawing closer.

He told the Daily Echo: "I am yet to decide. People may automatically expect it to be Chris but I want him to enjoy his speedway without any additional pressure.

"It's been documented that Chris has had things to deal with off track and I feel the less pressure on him, the better.

"That leads me to Josh, who was captain at Somerset last year and is someone I regard highly.

"Could it be Linus, who has captained in Sweden, or is it time for Brady to step up?

"We have nailed our colours to the mast regarding Brady over the past couple of years and I don't see that changing for another 10 years.

"It's a decision I haven't got to the bottom of in my own mind. I intend to have a small chat with all the individuals independently."