Poole Pirates promoter Ford prepared for 'biggest week of our season'

Danny Ford speaks to Total Guide to Dorset, ahead of Poole Pirates' vital clash with Edinburgh Monarchs at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.

Poole Pirates promoter Danny Ford labelled his side’s monumental double header with Edinburgh as “the biggest week of our season”. 

The Wimborne Road boss was speaking ahead of his team's home clash with the Monarchs in the SGB Championship play-offs on Wednesday (7.30pm), before making the trip to Armadale for the return leg on Friday. 

Following an impressive 50-40 triumph at Group A rivals Scunthorpe last week, Pirates know victory over Edinburgh at home would put the defending champions into the play-off grand final for the third successive campaign. 

Speaking ahead of the crucial showdown, Oakdale-based Ford told Total Guide to Dorset: “This is the biggest week of our season, ultimately. 

“We have worked all season, finished top of the regular league table and now the chances of grand final qualification – it’s all in our hands. 

“I thought we had kind of blown our shot when we hosted Scunthorpe last time out. We didn’t perform like we should have but we went to Scunthorpe and got a win. 

“The message to the boys is simple. We cannot be complacent. I think last time (at home) we were slightly complacent, we cannot do that again. We need to put this to bed and a win on Wednesday night puts us straight into the grand final. 

“The win is the most important thing, it doesn’t matter how many by.”

?? GRAND FINAL PLACE ON THE LINE!

?? A win against Edinburgh on WEDNESDAY night will secure the Pirates place in the GRAND FINAL

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?? Join us trackside, the boys need YOUR SUPPORT!#PiratePride #PoolePirates pic.twitter.com/l8CdrKJYYK

— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) September 25, 2023

Poole will operate rider replacement for Anders Rowe on Wednesday, with the Weymouth-born charger ruled out for nine days due to concussion protocols following a spill last week. 

That means the likes of Aussie ace Zach Cook and reserves Kyle Newman and Joe Thompson will be called upon to fill GB youngster Rowe’s book of rides.   

“That’s a real kick in the teeth, especially the way Anders has been going of late. He has been absolutely flying, at home in particular,” said Ford. 

“It’s not an ideal situation. Obviously Zach can more than cover it in his race but there is a lot of pressure on the reserves. While they weren’t quite showing the form they had been last time at home – they both went to Scunthorpe and produced the goods. 

“Joe Thompson, since coming in, has been a bit of a revelation. At Scunthorpe last week he was so fantastic and probably the match-winner.”

Edinburgh have booked Kyle Howarth to guest at number one, in place of the suspended Craig Cook.