PIRATES chief Matt Ford hailed the return of Darcy Ward but has urged the Aussie star to “grow up”.

Ward endured a turbulent year off track in 2012 but, on the shale, he was a revelation, racking up 410 points from 33 meetings.

The 20-year-old Queenslander also topped the Elite League averages, finishing in front of world champion and Poole Coastal Aluminium team-mate Chris Holder.

But now the World Championship new boy has put pen to paper on a 2013 deal at Wimborne Road, promoter Ford says Ward must mature in order to cope with the combined pressure of racing in the Grand Prix and three domestic leagues.

Ford, confirming deals for Holder and Ward tonight, told the Echo: “There was a certain amount of doubt over Darcy returning in 2013. He has improved incredibly as a rider and every rider feels they know what they are worth.

“It’s fair to say we were a distance apart at the beginning, but both parties gave way to meet on common ground. We wanted him back, but you can’t spend more money than what is coming in.

“It was a big decision for me, because for all his talent, Darcy still has a lot of growing up to do. But, perhaps the responsibility of being in the Grand Prix will be the making of him.”

Ward and Holder’s signings ruled out a return for Krzysztof Kasprzak, who starred last season following Adrian Miedzinski’s intial 13-meeting spell as Pirates’ third heat leader. The Pole has now joined Coventry on loan.

Ford added: “With the rule limiting clubs to only using two riders from the league’s top-20, we can’t use Krzysztof Kasprzak.

“It actually would have made life easier for me if Darcy had decided to give the British league a miss next year.

“That’s not what I wanted, but if Darcy had stuck by his initial thoughts of not returning to our league, I would have put Kasprzak back in without a thought.

“But we are making this move for the right reasons because Darcy is exceptional.”

Both Ward and Holder are looking for principal sponsors for next year after Draper Tools pulled out of motorsport sponsorship next season.

Interested parties should call the speedway office on 01202 681145.

Pirates' 2013 line-up so far: Darcy Ward (9.76), Robert Miskowiak (5.81), Chris Holder (9.67), Kyle Howarth (3.00).