TEAM boss Neil Middleditch says he will only leave Pirates when promoter Matt Ford eventually calls it a day.

Middleditch, who will attempt to steer Poole to a fourth straight Elite League crown this year, admits he cannot imagine working alongside a different figurehead at Wimborne Road.

The former Great Britain boss told the Daily Echo: "Matt has been instrumental and the biggest key to me being at Poole.

"It certainly works that he has the same passion for the club that I have and that makes life easier. It's not like he's put me in a situation where he has asked to me to get on with winning trophies and left me to it.

"He is as keen to win as I am every year and I think the day that Matt walks away from Poole Speedway, I will walk away from Poole Speedway as well.

"But until that time I will hang in there."

Middleditch cited the unstinting passion of himself and Ford as a crucial factor in the rush of trophies that have streamed in since the duo first combined ahead of the 1999 season.

Pirates have won no fewer than seven top-flight titles since then alongside five Knockout Cups, two Elite Shields, three Craven Shields, one British League Cup, not to mention a string of pairs and individual honours.

Middleditch continued: "It's nice to work for a boss that is as enthusiastic about his team as I am and I think that is part of the reason why we have been so successful. We demand success for the club that we love.

"I have done the whole spectrum from supporter to rider to manager and Matt has done supporter to promoter and has had a huge affinity with the club since he was a child.

"I think our enthusiasm for the club shines through."

Asked if he could see himself working with a different promoter, Middleditch said: "No, I don't think so."

With a new septet in place ahead of the upcoming campaign, the Poole team boss has his sights set on a fourth league title on the spin.

Middleditch added: "Three in a row was a pretty amazing effort and of course I want to keep winning, that's what we're here for, and the upcoming season will be no different."

Meanwhile, former Pirates star Jason Doyle has joined the line-up for the Ben Fund Bonanza at King’s Lynn.

The world number five is due to race alongside fellow confirmed riders Robert Lambert and Josh Auty at the season-opening event on March 12.

Doyle said: “I would like to have ridden in the Ben Fund meeting many a time but I’ve never been asked. It’s a privilege to ride for a great cause.

“I’ve had to use the Ben Fund in the past when I’ve had shoulder problems so it’s going to be good to give something back.

“King’s Lynn’s a nice track and is always prepared very well so we know what to expect when we get there.

"Buster Chapman does a great job for British speedway and it’s an honour to be racing in this event at his track.”