NEW Pirates captain Magnus Zetterstrom believes they have a "realistic chance" of winning the Elite League title this year.

The popular 32-year-old Swede takes over as skipper of Poole RIAS from Tony Rickardsson.

And Zorro - as he is affectionately known by the Wimborne Road faithful - believes Pirates' strength in depth could prove vital.

Speaking to the Daily Echo during press and practice at Poole Stadium yesterday, Zetterstrom said: "We have a solid seven man team.

"We are a side that can go to all tracks and score points.

"With the reserves we have, Antonio Lindback and Daniel Davidsson, we know that if someone in the top five has a bad night, either Antonio or Daniel can always step in and take a ride and do well.

"It is a great feeling to know that we can score points home and away.

"There are a few teams like Arena-Essex who look really strong. But I feel they will do really well at home and maybe struggle away.

"If the Pirates team stays injury free and everyone rides to their full potential, I believe we have a realistic chance of winning the title."

Zetterstrom added: "People are saying that because of the new rules and more teams, the top flight is a bit weaker but I think it is going to be a really strong league.

"Teams will chop and change early on like they always do so the league will be as strong as last year.

"Antonio and Daniel will do well for us at reserve and it is really good Jason Lyons is also in our team.

"He is one of those riders you definitely know will go well home and away.

"Jason is not a rider who will get two away and 12 at home. He is a consistent rider who will always score points.

"He will never let the team down."

Zetterstrom stressed he expected an "awesome feeling" will overcome him when he leads Poole out for the first time at home to Swindon tomorrow (7.30pm).

He said: "It is a big honour to be made captain and I am really looking forward to it.

"Just look back over the past 10 years to see who Poole's captains have been, Gary Havelock, Tony Rickardsson and Craig Boyce.

"It is a great honour to follow those guys.

"When Matt Ford rang and asked me if I would be captain I was absolutely delighted.

"I have not had a better feeling than that, the only ones I can think of are the birth of my two children."

Asked if he felt there was more pressure on him following his appointment, Zetterstrom said: "Yes and no. I will just try to be myself.

"That is the only way I can be captain. You always pick up lots of things from different captains but you can only really be yourself.

"I'll just try the best I can. It isn't good to try and step into someone else's shoes, try to be someone else.

"Also, I am pretty sure Tony will be there to help me out if I need it."

Eight of Poole's nine-man squad practised yesterday, including number eight Mark Lemon. The only absentee was Andre Compton, who was unavailable.

Pirates fans also got a glimpse of 15-year-old Danish prospect Kasper Wortmann, who was invited to Wimborne Road for a run-out through Poole's contacts with Denmark team manager Jacob Olsen.

Wortmann will also get a run-out after Pirates' meeting against Swindon tomorrow (March 10).