MIDDLO'S TESTIMONIAL

Poole Speedway are looking to honour their loyal team manager, Neil Middleditch, with a 'second' Testimonial meeting acknowledging the great work he has done at the helm of the team since being appointed by club owner Matt Ford in 1999. Fifteen years earlier, as a long-serving rider, Middleditch was granted a Testimonial campaign, but that turned sour when the promotion of that day suffered a financial disaster and went down before 'Middlo' received his proceeds.

Now, with the club moving into a new era of its own, Ford wants to show his appreciation to the most successful team manager in the club's history and it is no surprise that one of Poole's leading all time scorers steps forward to ride in the event. That will very much be the case as Bjarne Pedersen becomes the first confirmed competitor for Neil Middleditch's Testimonial which, subject to BSPA approval will be on Wednesday 25th March.

Pedersen, who spent ten seasons under Middlo's leadership, has announced his retirement from the sport at the end of this season but very much wanted to be part of the event that is planned to open the Pirates' 2020 campaign.

Middleditch, a former Pirate, club captain and current team manager, who has steered the Pirates to eight league titles, is delighted to have Pedersen on board saying "we spent a number of great seasons with Bjarne who is one of the ultimate professionals and it is absolutely fantastic, and I consider it a personal honour, that he contacted us about riding in the meeting. I am sure that I am not alone in saying that I am really looking forward to seeing the club's second highest points scorer of all time back racing at Wimborne Road."