PIRATES co-promoter Matt Ford firmly believes this is going to be their Elite League title-winning year.

The Poole Meridian Lifts chief and his partner Mike Golding have put together a really strong looking team that includes a formidable heat leader trio of Tony Rickardsson, Leigh Adams and Lukas Dryml.

And with Bjarne Pedersen a heat leader in all but name, Ford feels this could be the season Pirates finish top of the pile for the first time since 1994.

After confirming Poole would also include Krzysztof Kaspr-zak, David Ruud and Andre Compton and Dave Watt doubling up at reserve, Ford said: "For certain we have got the team that can do it.

"There will be other clubs out there seriously challenging for the title. For example, Coventry are looking strong.

"But they are going to lose riders from last year, whereas we are a lot stronger than 2002. I do believe we will win it. I do actually believe we will.

"I would put a lot of money on it with bookmaker Mark Lara-my if I could get good odds, but I don't think he would want to give me those.

"I think this is our year, as long as we stay injury free."

Ford added: "We all know what Tony can do and I am sure Leigh and Lukas will do a fine job at our top end.

"In Leigh and Lukas we have riders who made it clear they wanted to ride for us.

"Leigh still gets booed by some of our fans about him leaving Poole in 1990, but there is no doubt about his ability and loyalty to Pirates.

"I think his signature is one of the biggest moves this club has ever made. He is a massive signing. He is the Alan Shearer of speedway. He is a points-scoring machine."

Poole team manager Neil Middleditch stressed it was payback time with regard to Rickardsson and Adams.

Middleditch, looking back on 1999 when Pirates lost out on the title in the very last heat of the season, said: "The two riders that cost us the championship that year were, ironically, Tony and Leigh.

"They were both riding for King's Lynn at the time and got a 5-1 and a 4-2 in heats 13 and 15 to lead the Knights to a 48-44 win after we had been four points ahead with three races to go."

Poole had only needed a draw at the Norfolk Arena to walk off with the title and Middleditch added: "Hopefully Tony and Leigh can help win us the title this year to make up for what happened four years ago.

"Matt and Mike have set up a brilliant team. I am not going to hold my hand up and say we are going to win the league, but that is what I would dearly love us to do.

"In 46 years as a supporter, rider and team manager of Poole we haven't won the league while I have been here.

"Hopefully this will be my year."

Golding said: "Last season we were lacking in heat leaders. It was Tony versus the rest of the opposition or Tony and Bjarne or Hans Andersen.

"When Leigh and Lukas became available we had to go for it.

"It was difficult that Gary Havelock and Hans had to go but I think they appreciate Matt working quickly to help them fix themselves up with other clubs."

Pirates have brought forward their opening home meeting of the season by a week to Wed-nesday, March 19, because Sky Sports want to televise the first Elite League match at Wim-borne Road seven days later.

So instead of entertain Peter-borough in a challenge on March 26, Poole will now host them on March 19.

Pirates go to Peterborouogh for the return challenge on Sun-day, March 23, and will then be at home to an as yet decided opponent on the following Wed-nesday.

Poole's press and practice day remains on its original planned date of Friday, March 14.