TOM Brennan will be a Poole Pirate for the 2024 season – after the rider took it into his own hands to secure a spot in the Wimborne Road septet.

Although having rides lined up in the Premiership with Birmingham Brummies, Swedish side Indianerna and Polish outfit Gdansk, Brennan found himself without a Championship club for next year, despite starring in the Glasgow Tigers team that lifted the division last term.

Rather than wait around for prospective teams to come to him, the 22-year-old decided to get the ball rolling himself, emailing Pirates owner Matt Ford.

Poole promoter Danny Ford explained: "It came something out of the blue to be honest, as we thought initially that Tom would not be racing in the Championship level because of his commitments in other leagues.

“But he approached us to see if there was a chance of a place with us as, being a midweek track, it would fit well into his schedule.

“So, when you have the opportunity to sign a rider of Tom's potential then obviously it is well worth re-evaluating your options.

“We were able to quite quickly complete a deal with him and it looks as if we are set to have one of, if not the, strongest heat leader trio in the division.

"Tom actually had a better away average than a home one last year, and so that augurs well for us.

“Whilst he may not have the greatest record around Wimborne Road, his last two appearances here have been encouraging and of course his contribution for Glasgow in the play-off final had quite a bearing on the destiny of the league title.

“Once he gets some regular racing around Wimborne Road under his belt then I think that Tom will find greater consistency at home.

“It would be great for us if he were to become a league winner for a second successive season, of course!"

Speaking about the move himself, Brennan added: "I was puzzled at the end of last season when I heard stories that I wouldn't be returning to the Championship.

“I don't know how or where those rumours began but once it struck me that I had not received any offers for 2024 I decided to take matters into my own hands and dropped an email to the owner of the one club I really wanted to race for.

“Matt (Ford) responded to the enquiry and said let's make it happen and so here I am, ready to ride for the Pirates and the challenges that will bring.”