PROMOTER Matt Ford admits piecing together his “broken club” is an impossible task with Poole Pirates still reeling over Darcy Ward’s injury ahead of tonight’s trip to Leicester (7.30pm).

Speedway fans across the world have rallied around since Ward sustained spinal injuries in a crash in Poland eight days ago. The 23-year-old Pirates asset has since returned to the UK for ongoing assessment and treatment.

Poole complete their regular Elite League away programme at the track of the bottom club knowing that maximum points from the meeting and their last two home clashes with King’s Lynn and Swindon would secure top spot ahead of the play-offs.

But Ford understands better than anyone that league positions are not at the forefront of people’s minds with team boss Neil Middleditch and riders Chris Holder and Davey Watt having spent so much time at club-asset Ward’s bedside.

Ford said: “We have felt a broken club since last Sunday and dealing with the news has taken a considerable amount out of the likes of Middlo, Chris and Davey in particular.

“Darcy has a very special place in our hearts at this club and it is still very difficult to come to terms with exactly what is happening.

“Anyone who watched the Grand Prix will have seen how tough the occasion was for Chris. He was emotionally wrecked but felt he needed to ride as much for Darcy than anything else.

“I can’t begin to contemplate what was going through his head out there and it is not going to be any easier when we re-group as a unit.”

Skipper Maciej Janowski is set to return for Poole following his crash at Lakeside 10 days ago.

Leicester: Jason Doyle, Sam Masters, Piotr Swidersi, Grzegorz Walasek, Szymon Wozniak, Simon Lambert, Charles Wright (guest). Team manager: Norrie Allan

Poole: Kacper Gomolski, Chris Holder, Maciej Janowski, Dakota North, Davey Watt, Kyle Newman, Paul Starke. Team manager: Neil Middleditch

  • The official fund set up to help towards Darcy Ward’s private healthcare has reached more than £16,500. Donations can be made at: https://pledgie.com/campaigns/30061