PIRATES chief Matt Ford has revealed his intention to hand Mateusz Szczepaniak a second chance to succeed in Dorset.

The Polish rider yesterday linked up with the Poole Coastal Aluminium line-up for the club’s annual press and practice session at Wimborne Road.

Szczepaniak has long been rumoured to fill a Pirates berth during the reigning champions’ Elite League title defence in 2012.

The 25-year-old joined the club last term but saw his campaign cut short when he suffered a knee injury on his debut against Birmingham.

But Ford confirmed to the gathered media, supporters and sponsors that luckless Szczepaniak was poised to get another opportunity to ride for Pirates once averages changed.

Ford said: “Mateusz Szczepaniak came in last year and was very unlucky, crashing in his first meeting when it was not really his fault.

“It was one of those things but he is back as part of our future plans.

“All in all, the hope is that we will be able to use Matty in a few weeks’ time when averages adjust.”

There is a strong possibility Pirates will have more team-building points to play with when Sam Masters qualifies for a new average during the early stages of the season.

Rookie Australian Todd Kurtz, also unveiled yesterday, has been named at reserve on a short-term basis, but is likely to make way for Szczepaniak in any potential reshuffle.