MATT Ford assessed the pretenders to Pirates’ crown and tipped Birmingham to launch a shock challenge for the Elite League.

The Poole chief gave his verdict on the race for honours as his team prepared to begin their title defence with today’s double clash with Coventry.

Reigning champions Pirates have been widely backed to retain the championship they dominantly secured in 2011.

The bookmakers have supported that notion by making Poole Coastal Aluminium short-priced favourites for the silverware.

Ford says he expects Lakeside – spearheaded by seasoned trio Peter Karlsson, Lee Richardson and ex-Pirates skipper Davey Watt – to be strong.

But the Wimborne Road promoter believes Birmingham are being underestimated when it comes to picking the contenders.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “Lakeside, clearly, are going to be a force to be reckoned with.

“One or two people quite ridiculously feel that age will go against them with Peter Karlsson, Lee Richardson and Davey Watt.

“But I don’t think that is the case at all. What they have is a tremendous amount of experience and that counts for so much when you are in a certain point of the season. They are going to be a very tough team to beat.

“Coventry are already showing their capabilities and I still think Birmingham, who got hammered at home by Coventry, are a much better team than that.

“Their season, in my opinion, rests on Sebastian Ulamek. If he finds the form people know he can, then they will be a true force to be reckoned with.

“At near 20-1 outsiders to win the league, I find that quite remarkable because they have a top five to equal anybody and, in Josh Auty, along with maybe Michael Jepsen Jensen of Peterborough, they probably have one of the best two reserves in the whole league.

“I feel that Birmingham are very under-rated and I think they could be a real spoiler.”

Ford thinks it is difficult to write off the chances of any club as personnel changes will be made to strengthen teams throughout the campaign.

He added: “You don’t count out anyone. At the moment, we have had a reasonably comfortable victory over Belle Vue but they are making changes already.

“This is what will happen. If teams feel they are under-strength and their riders aren’t performing, they will have to make changes and that can change the whole balance of a team.”

Pirates start their league season with an away showdown with arch rivals Coventry this morning (11am) before the teams lock horns at Wimborne Road tonight (8pm). The Poole Stadium restaurant will be open ahead of the return fixture and bookings can be made by contacting 01202 677449.

Pirates (at Coventry): 1 Chris Holder, 2 Sam Masters, 3 Dennis Andersson, 4 Darcy Ward, 5 Adrian Miedzinski, 6 Ricky Kling, 7 Todd Kurtz.

Bees (at Coventry): 1 Chris Harris, 2 Aaron Summers, 3 Kenni Larsen, 4 Edward Kennett, 5 Scott Nicholls, 6 Adam Roynon, 7 Henning Bager.

Bees (at Poole): 1 Chris Harris, 2 rider replacement for Summers, 3 Kenni Larsen, 4 Edward Kennett, 5 Scott Nicholls, 6 Adam Roynon, 7 Henning Bager.

Pirates (at Poole): 1 Chris Holder, 2 Ricky Kling, 3 Dennis Andersson, 4 Darcy Ward, 5 Adrian Miedzinski, 6 TBC, 7 Todd Kurtz.