CHRIS Holder backed close ally Davey Watt to bounce back from his Poole Pirates exit but insisted promoter Matt Ford had been put in an unenviable position.

Holder’s Aussie compatriot Watt was axed by Ford 10 days ago on the back of a stuttering start to 2016 with the swift call to replace him with Bjarne Pedersen prompting a mixed reaction.

But while the 2012 world champion reckons the veteran will come good again, he also sympathised with the dilemma Ford had faced.

Holder told the Daily Echo: “It is always disappointing to see someone get replaced in the team, no matter who it is.

“It was an early call but from Matt’s point of view, he only had a limited time to get Bjarne in with his average.

“Watty’s average might have gone down if he couldn’t dig himself out of the hole he’s in at the moment. It is Matt’s call, he’s the boss and he pays the bills.

“It is always a tough one and even more difficult when you’re a good friend of the person involved but us riders all know what happens.

"I know if I have a rough few meetings and one of my teams replace me, I can't argue with it. None of us can, that is the way speedway goes unfortunately.

"Okay, it is difficult timing, especially when we have been winning, but I think Matt is looking at the long run.

"Watty could go out and get back to the form he has always showed, definitely. It is a tough one and I am glad I don't have to make these calls, I just have to turn up and ride."