KK MAKES WAY FOR EK

Poole boss Matt Ford has called time on Krzysztof Kasprzak's indifferent performance and replaced him with Edward Kennett, subject to BSPA approval.

Kasprzak was recalled by Ford during the winter despite the Pole having a converted average north of 11 points but with only one double figure return in his 13 appearances for the Pirates and just 18 points from 17 rides since returning from a shoulder injury Ford felt he couldn't offer the enigmatic Kasprzak any more time to try and find the scoring prowess that had seen him as a world number two just a few seasons back.

"Krzysztof is something of a challenge as a rider, he has very much had a chequered career. At times he is totally world class but has a tendency to get into a rut and that has been the case this year. It is extremely frustrating, not just for us as a club but equally for himself as a rider. He has not been able to put his finger on what the problem is, but now we are in the second half of the season I really don’t think we can offer him any further time to sort things out. "

"We need to be in a position where we are competitive in every meeting, not just to make the play-offs but to make an impact in them too. I have told him that this move doesn't necessarily mean his Poole career is finished and he could well figure in future plans, particularly with what will become a much lower revised average, but I needed to act now to maximise our opportunities."

"Finding a suitable replacement has not been the easiest of task as I have been in touch with a number of internationally competing riders but unfortunately the three-league rule imposed by Poland has hit us hard. I haven't therefore been able to take full advantage of KKs current 9.83 figure up to which we could have replaced him but I am sure that Eddie's determination to do a job for us will make him a better rider than his 6.82 figure suggests and I am pleased to welcome him back to the club."

"Whenever he has ridden for us, either on contract or as a guest,  we have seemed to have been able to bring the best out of him and that is the aim this time around and hopefully with the backing of the Poole fans we can see him settle back in quickly and provide the extra fire power that we are in need of.

Kennett was released by Rye House earlier this season and subject to management committee approval will pull on the Poole colours for his third Pirate spell in time for next Wednesday's visit of Somerset Rebels.