PIRATES will have Antonio Lindback to fall back on if their title hopes go awry because of injuries.

The Brazilian-born Swede has told the Dorset club he is only on the end of the telephone line if they need him in emergencies.

Poole Castle Cover chief Matt Ford said: "No one can disagree with our critics who think we are too top heavy at this point in time.

"However, they've not been proved right yet.

"We've definitely taken a chance. We haven't gone the safe route, but we're happy with what we've got.

"If we have got it wrong, we act at that point. There are options open to us.

"I've had a phone call from Anton within the past fortnight who has said he would drop everything and be with us within 24 hours if there is a need.

"I'm sure Grzegorz Walasek would feel the same and other club assets as well, who aren't riding elsewhere on loan.

"So we are confident we can achieve great things in 2007, and in the next couple of years with those riders who will hopefully join the club in 2008."

Lindback has decided to give British speedway a miss this year to concentrate on the Polish and Swedish leagues.

Chris Holder, Nicolai Klindt and reigning world under-21 champion Karol Zabik are Poole targets for 2008 already with all three already believed to have indicated to Ford they want to come to Wimborne Road.