DREAM COME TRUE FOR LOCAL LAD

Just 5 years after sustaining a life threatening horror crash which left him in a coma for three days, Poole born Brendan Johnson will realise one of his dreams when he lines up for the Pirates on Wednesday night against the Belle Vue Aces.

22 year old Brendan has been called up for the Pirates in place of Ben Hopwood who has been stood down after an initial one month contract had been extended to a 54 day period, and  it means that Johnson will link up with his good friend Kyle Newman in the Pirates' reserve berth.

When Johnson first awoke from that coma on 23rd August 2009 his first words were "I'm hungry" and he is hungry again, this time to do well for the Pirates.

"It has always been my dream to ride for my home club and I am delighted that Matt has allowed me to realise that dream. My goal this season was to become a heat leader in the National league and to gain a Fast track team place.

"I am third highest averaged rider with Mildenhall and now I've got the chance to be a Poole Pirate. Right now life doesn't get much better than this."

"I'd like to thank Matt for giving me the chance and I'm determined to make the most of it. I'm under no illusions, it is going to be tough, very tough, but I'm going to give it my absolute best shot.

"If I can go out there and score three points a meeting I'll consider it a job done, but also the opportunity to work with the likes of Darcy, Magic, Shamek and Middlo is such an awesome prospect in itself. There is so much a guy like me can learn from those fellas. This is just too good a chance to miss."