Middleditch has been at the helm as the team have won 33 trophies, and he’ll be looking to add to that tally this term with a hugely exciting seven riders that will don the skull and crossbones.
The veteran boss told the Daily Echo that he is always excited to get going once again.
“The expectations are always high with the Pirates, aren’t they?” he said.
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“But, thankfully we’ve delivered for many, many years, and then hopefully this year will be another one of them.”
Assessing the squad for the year, Middleditch is pleased with what has been assembled.
Six of the seven will be available for the opening meeting of the season, with Dan Gilkes ruled out for the early stages as he continues his return from injury.
Richard Lawson, Zach Cook and Lewis Kerr all return to form the heat leader trio, while Fraser Bowes and stand-in Kyle Newman complete the main body of the team.
Poole Pirates Press and Practice Day 2026 (Image: Richard Crease)
16-year-olds Will Cairns and Cooper Rushen form a hugely exciting reserve pairing.
“We’ve got obviously got Richard at the top and Zach who’s been going really, really well and Lewi, they’re spearheading us,” Middleditch said.
“Fraser Bowes coming in, he came down as a visitor and scored a lot of points.
“It was also nice to welcome Kyle back again, he stepped into the breach with Dan being unavailable.
“But, Cooper and Will at the bottom end, yeah, it’s exciting, isn’t it? Two 16-year-old kids.
“I mean, it’s unbelievable really. Most 16-year-olds should be sat in the stands, not racing. So, I think there’ll be a good bit of rivalry between those two, friendly rivalry, shall we say, to be the top reserve and to get out of the reserves, obviously.
“But, I’m looking forward to working with them.”
Middleditch is looking for a big season from Kerr, and he believes he could be one who could go more under the radar and pick up big points for the Pirates this season.
Poole Pirates Press and Practice Day 2026 – Neil Middleditch. (Image: Richard Crease)
“Lewi by his own admission last year had mechanical problems and felt that there was a lot more in the tank for him,” he said.
“And he just said in his press conference there, you know, he really feels there’s more. He thoroughly enjoyed his time here, first time he won the league with the team, so, and wants to do it again.”
Middleditch can’t wait to get going on Friday with the visit of Plymouth in the BSN Series, but he knows it will be a tough opening meeting.
“I think that’s the best side that Plymouth have assembled since they’ve been in this modern era,” he said.
“But yeah, they’re going to be tough, Scotty Nicholls down there, I mean, it’s a great team. I mean, they’re going to give us a real test, that’s for sure.”