OUTGOING Team Great Britain manager Neil Middleditch has given the thumbs up to his successor Jim Lynch.

The former Reading and Belle Vue boss, and Peterborough director, took over the reigns yesterday and will lead GB into the World Cup in July.

Lynch, who will also cover for Middleditch when family work commitments rule him out of team managing Pirates this term, has been given an initial one-year contract.

Middleditch is also delighted ex-Poole rider Mark Loram, currently in the middle of a two-year spell out injured, is part of the new GB under-21 management structure following Peter Oakes' departure last week.

The former world champion, who won the title while with Pirates in 2000, will work alongside Isle of Wight boss Dave Croucher and former Wolves star Graham Jones.

Middleditch, who stepped down as GB manager at the end of last month, said: "Jim is a good choice.

"He is not tied to any Elite League club, apart from covering for me in two or three fixtures this year, so he can concentrate fully on the national job.

"Jim knows me and asked me about a few bits and pieces and he knows I'm only on the end of the phone if he needs any advice.

"He has been in the sport a long time and I'm sure he will do a great job.

"Jim knows the riders very well. It is not as though it is someone coming in who doesn't. He has worked with a lot of them and it is not new ground for him."

Middleditch added: "Jim won't need any hope but if he needs to talk about anything I'm only at the end of a phone, like I said when I stepped down.

"I wish him all the best in the job. It is a tough job. There is a lot of work and his situation is no better than mine with regard to the pool of riders we've got.

"We just have to hope some of the good young riders can step up to ride for Jim and GB."

Earlier this month, Middleditch put Loram's name forward as a possible GB assistant, or caretaker, manager, and Poole Castle Cover's boss is pleased the rider is now swiftly onboard at national level.

Middleditch said: "It's great, just brilliant that Mark is involved with the under-21s.

"Mark has been there and has the track record. He knows what he is talking about, and all the riders look up to him.

"I know he has business interests as well, but it's great to see he is keeping his interest in speedway alive.

"It can only be to the benefit of the sport in this country."

The first 500 children through the turnstiles before Poole's Good Friday Craven Shield home clash against Eastbourne (11am) will receive a boxed Easter egg.