NEW CLUB CREST REVEALED

POOLE Pirates, the UK's most successful speedway team, has marked its forthcoming 70th anniversary by unveiling a new club crest.

The new shield uses the existing and much loved skull and crossbones as a centre point, while adding the famous Pirates name and 'Est 1948' to mark the club's 70th year on the shale.

Designed by brand consultant Mick Peek, previously head of ecommerce at JD Sports and the man behind Manchester City's 1997 rebranding, the crest will feature on new merchandise set to be on sale at the Wimborne Road club's new Dolphin Centre pop-up shop, which opens on November 25, and on the Pirates club website.

Pirates promoter Matt Ford said: "I am absolutely delighted to reveal the new Pirates crest ahead of what is sure to be a season of celebration as we mark our 70th season.

"Mick Peek was introduced to me by a mutual friend, musician Billy Duffy of The Cult, and after watching one meeting he was hooked. The crest he has designed is a real statement of intent, both in terms of the club's illustrious history and its exciting future."

Mick Peek added: "When Matt recently started talking about his plans to re-invigorate the merchandise operation I was really excited to get involved, bringing my experience at Manchester City and JD Sports to the party. For the 70th anniversary badge I felt an evolution rather than a revolution was important and think we have created something that will stand the test of time going forward."