LAWSON COMPLETES PIRATES

POOLE have confirmed the signing of Richard Lawson in a full transfer from Championship rivals Glasgow.

Lawson becomes a Pirates asset and goes into this year’s Pirates side in a move which sees Danish youngster Benjamin Basso head in the opposite direction to Ashfield.

The reigning champions had been strongly linked with a move for Lawson since it was announced he would not remain with Plymouth, where he spent the closing stages of the 2021 season.

Poole promoter Danny Ford said: “We showed last season the importance of having a very strong heat-leader trio, and when Richard approached us we just knew we couldn’t turn the opportunity down, as we believe he is more than capable of doing the kind of job Rory (Schlein) did for us last year.

“I recognise that this move might be a little puzzling to some, that we have released a young 21-year-old in favour of a 35-year-old, but it was a deal we considered at length.

“We genuinely feel Richard has a lot of racing left in him and will be around in British Speedway for some time, and we are getting a very accomplished asset. We are delighted to have Richard as a club asset, and we know that he will give his all to the club.”