(SPEEDWAY 1)POOLE have confirmed the signing of inspirational skipper Bjarne Pedersen for the defence of their Elite League title.Pedersen joins Chris Holder and Daniel Davidsson in a powerful Pirates side.Said Poole chief Matt Ford: "Bjarne is one of the best riders in the world and I know that he will do his best to help Poole retain the league title in 2009. He's also a pleasure to deal with."(SPEEDWAY 2)TROY Batchelor is Swindon's third confirmed signing for next season.The Australian joins fellow countryman Leigh Adams and hot prospect Jurica Pavlic - and the club are looking to make his move permanent.Manager Alun Rossiter said: "It really is superb news that Troy will be back at Blunsdon in 2009 and I'm very excited about working with him again. I would like to see him push on."(SPEEDWAY 3)WOLVERHAMPTON are set to take Polish champion Adam Skornicki back to Monmore Green for next year.Skornicki played a major part in Poole's Elite League title success last season and is keen on a return to his parent club.Parrys International Wolves owner Chris Van Straaten said: "We need someone with charisma, character and the ability to put a smile on people's faces.Adam is that kind of person."(SPEEDWAY 4)CRAIG Branney is on his way back to Newcastle - the club where he started his career.Branney will be fully fit after missing most of last season with a leg injury sustained in pre-season.Newcastle co-promoter George English said: "We're delighted to have Craig back with us again. He showed some great promise of a return to form when he raced at Newcastle towards the end of last season."(SPEEDWAY 5)TALENTED teenager Josh Auty is to ride for Sheffield next season in a loan deal with Coventry.Auty, 18, spent last season with Redcar and joins Richard Hall, Joel Parsons and Ricky Ashworth in the Owlerton line-up.Tigers owner Neil Machin said: "Josh didn't have the best of seasons at Redcar and he'll be looking forward to linking up with our team manager Eric Boocock again."