KYLE BECOMES SECOND-IN-COMMAND

Poole Pirates will have a second local lad in their side for 2017 with Kyle Newman being the sixth rider to be confirmed for the new-style Premiership campaign.

Newman, who turns 25 next week, has been at the club as a regular since 2014 - the last two seasons as a 'draft' rider and is a popular performer amongst the fans and his inclusion in the team will come as no major surprise. He joins his near neighbour James Shanes as the two local lads for the Dorset club.

In confirming Newman as a starter Poole promoter Matt Ford said "It is great to have Kyle back with us yet again. He has certainly matured over the course of the last few years and is most definitely one of the success stories of the draft system. Whilst last season he was blighted with illness and injury he still maintained his development as a speedway rider and I have decided to appoint his as vice-captain for the season. Under Hans' wing I believe he will be able to learn more about the role of captain which is great experience for him in the future.

Newman will once again be competing in both senior divisions in 2017 having been signed up by Ipswich for the forthcoming Championship campaign, following Plymouth's restructuring to a National league outfit.

The Pirates have just one place to confirm for the new Premiership structure of British Speedway.