Ford: Poole Pirates are 'the team that other clubs want to see fail'

Poole Pirates promoter Danny Ford insisted his chargers were “the team that other clubs want to see fail” as they look to book their place in a third final this season.

Having reached the last two of the BSN Series and Knockout Cup, Pirates begin their SGB Championship play-off campaign tomorrow.

After topping the regular league standings, they host Workington Comets in their semi-final first leg at Wimborne Road (7.30pm).

Speaking ahead of the clash, Ford said: “We always seem to be the team that other clubs want to see fail and our opponents raise their game when they meet us in these play-offs.

“But as we have said all season we, as a club, still feel we let our fans down last season in the critically important meetings and desperately want to redress the balance this time around.

“Workington are not going to be easy for sure and looking beyond them, neither will Scunthorpe or Oxford, so there is a very long way to go before we can land the league title back at Wimborne Road.”

?? WEDNESDAY | PLAYOFFS BEGIN!

?? It’s that time of the season, the Championship Playoffs get underway Wednesday night at Wimborne Road!

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— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) September 9, 2024

Reserve Vinnie Foord is set to undergo a fitness test, having missed Poole’s past eight meetings with a shoulder injury.

Should he come through positively, the hosts will be able to track a full one-to-seven.

“Our lads are very much up for the task and over the next few meetings our supporters can really play a vital role with their encouragement and vocal support every time we take to track,” said Ford.

“Obviously, the goal on Wednesday will be to build up a decent lead to take into Saturday's second leg as that will put more pressure on Workington.

“We know we have the riders capable of going to the GT Tyres Arena and doing a job but the more points we can have in the bank the better.

“September is going to be a vital month for the club and every race is going to be a vital one."