FOUR-time World champion Tony Rickardsson has stressed he feels very proud that he is a Poole Pirate.

The 30-year-old Swede is all set to spend a second successive season at Wimborne Road next term after signing a new loan deal last week.

But looking back on the 2001 campaign, Rickardsson said: "I am very privileged to have been able to work with the promoters at Poole and the team manager Neil Middleditch.

"All the riders have been great. In fact, everything has been great, really, really good at Poole and that is probably why I have been so relaxed and enjoyed myself."

Rickardsson, an Ipswich asset who has returned to his Swedish home to spend the winter after meeting some of Poole's fans in the town last week, admitted he would be busy over the next few months preparing for next year.

He said: "I have a lot of things to do now, looking ahead to the GP and its build up. I don't think there will be any time for going on holiday or anything like that.

"I will go back home and get behind my office table. Then I'll go to see my doctor so he can operate on my broken thumb and take it from there.

"I need an operation but it is not serious. Six weeks in plaster and I will be okay.

"I'd agreed terms with Poole a month and a half ago really and it is nice we have everything planned out. I have done a deal with my Swedish and Polish clubs as well, so I am all set up at club level for 2002.

"I just have to look ahead to next year's GP and how we are going to approach it, if we are going to run a team or not. See what we are going to do"

Rickardsson is very excited about the revamped GP series that takes in 10 rounds next year.

He said: "It is just getting better and better, step by step. We're just making a huge step with BSI with the whole deal and I am so happy I can be a part of it."

The Swede also believes it is possible British domestic speedway can also iron out its current problems concerning the World Championship and how many GP riders can ride in the Elite League.

He said: "There is definitely a way forward. I think everyone should sit down and try and look into a five-year plan and see where British speedway is going.

"I'm sure they will find out they can actually benefit from the GP, instead of working against it."

Rickardsson feels the Polish, Swedish and Danish Leagues all run well and gain benefit alongside the GPs.

He said: "I think it has already been proved, so why can't British speedway do it?"

Pirates, meanwhile, have said their opening home meeting next year will probably be on Good Friday, March 29.

Rickardsson was honoured on Sunday when he was awarded the Jasper & Vincent Sportsman of the Year award at the fifth BBC South Sports Awards evening held in Southampton.