RETURNING talisman Chris Holder will spearhead Poole Pirates’ quest for a third consecutive Elite League triumph as promoter Matt Ford unveiled two new faces for 2015.

The 2012 world champion is joined at Wimborne Road by Australian compatriot Dakota North as Ford’s annual team-building exercise begins in earnest.

Holder, 27, was a staple part of Poole’s plans until last year when he decided to take a year out of British speedway following a horror smash at Coventry in July 2013.

But Ford revealed that the Ringwood-based star had been frustrated by his year on the sidelines and was desperate to make his Pirates return.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “Once the situation surrounding his work permit was resolved, it was a five-minute conversation to get the deal done.

“I think Chris would have represented someone else had the opportunity not been there to line up for Poole. He did miss British speedway last season.

“After taking on a much smaller contract in Denmark, he got injured and began to question his decision. He felt he might as well be riding in the UK. He made that quite clear to me as early as August.

“We are delighted to have him back. It would have been very difficult to have seen him go somewhere else so it was a great feeling to get it sorted.”

The arrival of Holder, who boasts an 8.75 average, will cast doubt over the future of suspended star Darcy Ward and Grand Prix newcomer Maciej Janowski with Poole required to axe 1.69 from their team average this winter.

Ford confirmed negotiations with a clutch of riders were ongoing but remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the class of 2014.

“All I can say at the moment is that the club’s options remain open,” he added. “Some deals are time sensitive and we are waiting for replies over one or two other approaches.

“It is a case of holding fire. We may now delay news on other signings until the new year but I am sure the Pirates fans will understand that these things can take a little time.”

Meanwhile, North, the subject of intense speculation over a transfer to Pirates last month, has joined as a full asset from Peterborough.

The 23-year-old increased to 6.57 his top-flight average courtesy of some impressive form for Swindon from April.

Ford added: “I spoke to Dakota about becoming an asset last season but his team place for 2015 was never guaranteed.

“He is a very good rider who is improving very quickly. Last season, he increased by nearly two points his average and rode exceptionally well. The time is right for him to come into the Poole team.”

2015 Pirates team to date

Chris Holder 8.75

Dakota North 6.57

Kyle Newman (fast track)

Paul Starke (fast track)

  • Pirates must bring in three riders with a combined average of 18.68 or less to fall within the increased 34-point limit.