OWNER Matt Ford said he was “so pleased” to secure the services of Steve Worrall for 2020 and insisted: “I always found him tough to beat.”

The St Helens-born star, a twin brother to former Pirates ace Richie Worrall, became the first rider confirmed in the Dorset club’s SGB Championship septet back in November.

He kicked off this season by coming second to Poole skipper Danny King in the Ben Fund Bonanza at Scunthorpe last month – an event which took place before the campaign was suspended due to COVID-19.

Worrall, who spent last year in the Championship with Newcastle, is set to come into the Poole line-up on a 7.39 average – when the season is permitted to start.

“Steve Worrall I think is a great rider. I rate Steve in any league,” Pirates chief Ford told Speedway Portal.

“I always found him tough to beat, even when we were in the Premiership. I am so pleased. He is also just the nicest of people – a great guy.

“We will get a different rider in Steve Worrall this year.”