PIRATES star Davey Watt has admitted it's "great to be loved" ahead of their home and away clashes against his former club Eastbourne today.

The Australian international was a big hit with Eagles last season and expected to return to Arlington.

But new Eastbourne promoter Martin Hagon did not want him.

So Watt finds himself back at parent club Poole for the first time since 2004.

Watt said: "In 2003 I was a reser-ve for Pirates and we had a fantastic year. "Now I've moved up to number three and hopefully we'll have another successful season.

"I went to Eastbourne for a pre-season practice and people there said they are unhappy I'm gone.

"But here at Poole they are saying the opposite, so it's great to be loved. My first ever day in England was at a Poole press day in 2001, so it's great to be back with the club.

"I've lived in Poole from day one since I arrived in England. I've made lots of friends and have some good sponsors.

"It's been good to have that base. It means I can sleep in until 5pm after I get back from Sweden (where he will ride for MasarnaAvesta for a normal Wednesday meeting at Poole.

"Living in Poole makes it good for because it probably cuts my travelling by half in a season.

"When you travel as much as speedway riders, it's a big thing.

"You don't get much sleep. It makes a big difference when you get to the track."

Watt, who bagged 10 points in Castle Cover Pirates' 53-40 challenge defeat at Lakeside on Fri-day, will be hoping to do as well at home to Eastbourne today (11am).

The return Craven Shield encounter at Arlington begins at 7.30pm.