NIELSEN SIGNS

Volvo Cars Poole Pirates boss Matt Ford has shaken up his 2018 line-up, with British prospect Stefan Nielsen coming in for James Shanes.

The 23-year-old, a two-times British under-19 champion, will replace Shanes at reserve in a month-long deal while Ford assesses his options.

Ford, who expects Nielsen to make his Pirates debut against champions Swindon at the Abbey Stadium on Monday, said: "This change is being made for a few weeks and it's really to see where we stand once we have completed enough meetings for the new averages to kick in.

"James was disappointed but understood the reasons. He knows it's for a month and, after that, he could come back in – it will depend on how things look once the new averages come in.
"Stefan was at Belle Vue in 2016 and rode for Swindon as well so he's done a few years in the top division and is riding well for Scunthorpe currently so I am looking forward to seeing him ride for Poole.
"I feel this short-term move is in the best interests of the club and then we can see how things go in the next couple of weeks."

Nielsen comes into the Pirates septet on a 3.67 average.