Legendary Poole Pirates boss Middleditch seeking more trophies in 2024

Neil Middleditch stressed Poole Pirates had to “move on” from their frustrating 2023 campaign, as he goes in search of more trophies this season.

Having won the inaugural BSN Series title last term, Poole missed out in the finals of the SGB Championship league play-offs and Knockout Cup.

Legendary team manager Middleditch has won no fewer than 29 trophies since he stepped into his role back in 1999.

The former Great Britain boss begins another campaign at the helm at Wimborne Road this week, when Poole kick-off their BSN Series defence at home against Oxford on Good Friday (7.30pm).

Speaking at the club’s press and practice day, Middleditch said: “I hate losing. Everybody loves to beat Poole, don’t they? As much as we hate to lose!

“Last season, we were saying it’s a disappointing season for us. But we made every final and we just didn’t get it across the line.

“We have got to make amends this season, put that behind us and move on.”

Three riders in Richard Lawson, Zach Cook and skipper Ben Cook have been retained by Poole for 2024, with Tom Brennan, Sam Hagon, Tobias Thomsen and Max Perry brought in as fresh faces.

And Middleditch insisted his role would be to manage them as people, as well as performers.

“We all know speedway is a numbers game and what you have to do at the start of the season is assemble a team that is going to be good,” he said.

“Tactically there is not a great deal I can do. I can do what I can do with the reserves but I think I’ve said it before, my role is people management.

“It’s knowing what to say to the boys. They know when they’ve had a bad ride, they don’t need me to go and tell them.

“My job is to pick them up when they’ve had a bad ride, encourage them and not let them get down because once their heads drop, it’s a job.

“Hopefully I say the right things at the right times but if it’s not me, hopefully I can get Richard or Ben, or one of the more experienced riders to talk to the youngsters and help them along.”

Pirates are offering children under 11 the chance to gain free entry to their season opener against the Cheetahs.

?? GOOD FRIDAY SPEEDWAY | KIDS UNDER 11 GO FREE!

?? Kids under 11 enjoy FREE entry to Poole Speedway all through 2024!

?? Our season opener against Oxford is this FRIDAY! FREE Creme Eggs for kids!

??? BOOK your TICKETS ?? https://t.co/OPEsOvvj6b

??‍?? #PiratePride pic.twitter.com/bb4mYLpdAQ

— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) March 26, 2024

(Picture: Poole Pirates Official Youtube Channel)