NEWLY-crowned Echo Pirates' rider of the year Jason Crump wants another chance to shine for Poole next season.

The Australian will receive our accolade at Wimborne Road after the Craven Shield final, first leg, against Coventry and Swindon tonight (7.30pm).

He polled 33 per cent of our readers' votes to finish ahead of Troy Batchelor (30 per cent) and Bjarne Pedersen (26 per cent).

Crump said: "I'm proud to win the Echo award, particularly considering I haven't had the best year and have probably been a little inconsistent in my Grand Prix and league racing.

"I certainly wasn't at my best for the whole season, but I'm proud the people who voted for me appreciate the efforts I put in.

"Hopefully, with another chance next year at Poole, they can see me ride a lot better in every meeting.

"I was never the most popular of away riders coming here and although I wasn't worried about that, I was waiting to see how the fans received me at the beginning of the season.

"I was very surprised and made to feel very welcome here."

Crump added: "I think the fans can probably see I'm not an individual rider when I'm racing for my club.

"I'm always keen to help the other guys in the team as much as possible. That is where I have changed a lot in the last 10 years.

"It has been a pleasure riding with all the guys in the team. They are a great bunch. It's also been great working with Bjarne as a top-two pairing.

"I know there were a few rocky things going on while I was out injured between Ed (Kennett) and Bjarne.

"But as far as I can see the team has been perfectly behaved for 99 per cent of the season.

"Neil Middleditch, Matt Ford and Mike Golding have been good to work with, and that side of being at Poole has been great as well."

Crump's name has been engraved on the trophy alongside previous winners Mark Loram, Krzysztof Cegielski, Tony Rickardsson, Leigh Adams, Bjarne Pedersen and Craig Boyce, who won the award last season.

"I'm proud my name has been added to that list," said Crump. "It show the fans are choosing probably the rider they feel is doing the best job for them over a season.

"I want to thank them for voting for me and they are very knowledgeable speedway people at Poole.

"I'd also say keep supporting Poole and enjoying your speedway because next year could be a better year.

"I also want to thank my sponsors Fleet Personnel, Wessex Marine, Princess Motor Yacht Academy, Vicrown Developments and Crow Developments.

"They've been great to me this year and hopefully we can continue our relationship in the future."