POOLE Castle Cover PIRATES have finally completed their 2008 team building plans by agreeing a deal that will see Swedish rider FREDDIE ERIKSSON join the Dorset club on loan for the forthcoming Elite League campaign.  ERIKSSON will start the season on a 3.06 match average and will be hoping to enjoy a more settled period than his last attempt to establish himself in British speedway.

The 2002 Swedish Under 21 Champion had re – established his links with the ill – fated Oxford club at the start of 2007, but was never really given the opportunity to establish himself on the British league scene.  Financial problems forced the Oxford club to withdraw from the Elite League at the end of May 2007, since when ERIKSSON has not competed in British league speedway..

“ We are very happy to have Freddie join the team for 2008 ” said Pirates co-promoter MATT FORD 

“  We believe that he has the potential to improve on his league average and he is more than capable of adding some stability to our lower order.”

“ Unfortunately Freddie hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck in his previous efforts in this country, but we would like to think that he will enjoy happier times with Poole.”

“ Our plans were well and truly overturned when we were refused the go - ahead to bring Craig Watson back into the side, since when we have been working hard to find a suitable replacement.  We now believe that we have found our man.”

“ The British Speedway Promoters Association ( British speedway’s governing body )  decision regarding Craig Watson position came as a real shock to everyone at Poole and we sincerely hope that Craig will still be able to get fixed up with a club that he is happy to ride for in the coming season.”

Freddie ERIKSSON FACT FILE

DATE and PLACE OF BIRTH: 23 April 1981, Stockholm, Sweden.

BRITISH CAREER: King’s Lynn 2001
                            King’s Lynn 2002
                            Ipswich       2003
                            Oxford        2005
                            Oxford        2006
                            Oxford        2007

MAJOR HONOURS:  2002 Under-21 Champion of Sweden
                2002 Wild Card FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Sweden
                2000 Finalist FIM World Under 21 Championship     Finished 15th
                2001 Finalist FIM World Under 21 Championship     Finished 10th
                2002 Finalist FIM World Under 21 Championship     Finished  4th