HANS Andersen has said he can happily work with Pirates team manager Neil Middleditch again following their infamous fall-out over an acrimonious last-heat decider in the World Cup final at Poole in 2004.

Although the Dane has guested for Poole on one occasion since then, grabbing 16 points in a 49-42 defeat at Coventry in 2007, the pair have never worked together regularly since Andersen left Wimborne Road at the end of the 2002 campaign.

In 2004, Team GB boss Middleditch claimed Andersen had hindered Scott Nicholls’ progress on purpose in Heat 25 thereby allowing Peter Karlsson to go clear and clinch the trophy for Sweden with Britain finishing an agonising one point behind as runners-up.

Andersen, who has always denied the claim, maintaining he suffered engine problems, said: “Of course I can work with Neil again.

"It’s been five years now. Of course, the first couple of years we didn’t really speak, other than to say hello. But it has been gone for a long time, the World Cup incident.

“I don’t see it affecting me or my riding, having to work with Middlo.

“You never know? I might even go back and live with him!

“The past is the past. We just have to look forward and get the best out of this season. To do that, everyone has to be together and work as one unit.”

Middleditch told the Echo last week that he welcomed Andersen’s arrival at Poole and he would happily work with him again because he only wanted what was best for the club.