MATT Ford was last night working to rebuild his shattered Pirates septet after the full extent of Kyle Newman's shoulder injuries were revealed.

Newman, a hugely popular figure at Wimborne Road, crashed during Friday's abandoned Darcy Ward Invitational and had initially hoped to make a swift return.

However, the 25-year-old was yesterday told by medics that he had sustained a fractured shoulder blade and three torn muscles, including the rotator cuff.

Doubling-up ace Newman could require surgery and the Poole-born flier looks set for months on the sidelines, with the injuries potentially wrecking his entire season.

The revelations left Ford searching for suitable cover and British riders are the only possible targets for the Pirates owner, who hopes Newman will yet don Poole leathers this campaign.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "It's heartbreaking news for Kyle to start the season with. He has been working hard all winter to save so he can invest in equipment and to be dealt such a devastating body blow so early in the season is very hard for him and the club.

"If it's a longer-term injury, I don't feel rider replacement is a good enough facility for us. We're looking at different avenues now in the hope something will materialise. I have someone in mind who I would like to step in.

"I was contacted over the winter on at least a dozen occasions by a rider who was desperate to ride for the club and I think that is the correct option for us at this moment in time.

"We're in a business and we have to get on and pick a team which is still capable of winning.

"I hope to get someone to cover for the next month or two, on the understanding that once Kyle is up and running, particularly in the Championship, that we would look to reintroduce him to the Pirates fold."

Poole are due to face Wolverhampton in tomorrow's SGB Premiership Shield second leg and following two Knockout Cup clashes with Belle Vue, the Dorset club are set to launch their league season at Leicester a week on Saturday.

Ford added: "You pick seven men who you feel are the best team and I don't think we got it wrong because the bookmakers made us favourites.

"Sadly, you take away one vital cog and it has a huge impact on the club. We've got to get on with the cards we have been dealt and bounce back from this. It's going to be tough but it's a long season and we must make sure we get the right cover."

Speaking to his personal website, Newman said: "I'm praying I don't need surgery on my rotator cuff, that would be a disaster.

"I'm devastated it happened in my first race of the season and it has set me back. It's hard to remain positive. All I want to do is go out and race my bike."