Jonasson Rejected Pirates
Created on Wednesday, 18 January 2012 23:18
Poole Pirates boss Matt Ford has revealed that club asset Thomas H Jonasson has turned down the chance to return to the club.
The Swedish World Cup rider became a Pirate in July when the South-Coast club paid a reported £20,000 to Edinburgh. Towards the end of the season he was drafted into the team to replace for the under performing Russian Renat Gafurov and rode in six meetings, obtaining an average of 5.38.
Ford told the Daily Echo: “I still believe it was the right move to bring him in at the time. And I – 100 per cent – want to work with him again.”
“Having spoken to him and messaged him, he did point out fairly early that he had decided against a return for the start of this season.
Although Jonasson has opted out of the Elite League, Ford believes that the 23-year-old could make an appearance later in the year when new signing Adrian Miedzinski's contract runs out.
Ford added, “But it could be that perhaps in June, when Adrian potentially stands down, that it might be the right time for Thomas to come back and join us then.
“His average is already below Adrian’s now, so I don’t see any problem in trying to fit him in if that is the case come June. It is certainly a good option for the club. When Thomas wants to return, I would try to find a place for him because I believe he has an awful lot to offer.”
Jonasson was not the only rider to turn down the chance to rider for the reigning Elite League Champions, new Grand Prix rider Peter Ljung and rising star Martin Vaculik also chose not to become Pirates in 2012.