ANGERED team boss Neil Middleditch blasted critics who suggested Pirates' riders lacked passion – and pleaded with supporters to get behind his beleaguered side.

Fans made their fury plain last week after the humiliating 60-30 defeat to Rye House made it a club-record five straight league losses on home shale for the seven-time Elite League champions.

The result dealt a shattering body blow to Poole's SGB Premiership play-off hopes but victory over fellow play-off chasers Wolverhampton tonight (7.30pm) would give the table a new complexion.

Reflecting on his team's struggles, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "The boys don't go out deliberately to not score points. Some people say there is no heart and no passion. Well, I'm sorry but there's plenty of heart and plenty of passion.

"If the boys came in from a race and were laughing and joking, I'd be very disappointed but they are very upset about it. There have been a few temper tantrums in the pits because they are so disappointed.

"If the riders don't score points, they don't earn money, that's the fact of the matter. They are trying but we just can't work out why we aren't winning.

"Everyone is going absolutely crazy on social media but they have to remember we have won seven titles, which no other club in the modern era has done.

"Our record speaks for itself but it's just that at the moment, we are having a bit of a blip. If we make the play-offs, it all starts again.

"We are already making plans for next year and however the season ends for us, we will be back, that's for sure."

The former Great Britain boss admitted he had been stung by criticism in the wake of Pirates' six-match losing run and said the resultant barbs had been unmerited.

Middleditch continued: "I know people are entitled to their opinions but when you are down, that's when you need the backing of the crowd.

"They may not be happy with results but the riders can hear the reaction of the crowd and that is the worst thing for them. I would urge supporters not to get on the boys' cases – get behind them.

"I'm disappointed, to be honest. I recognise the names of some of the people on social media who have been supporters for a long time and I wonder 'why are you being like this?'

"We are having one season where we are not having a good time and all of a sudden they are really coming for us. If you are a Pirates fan, you are a Pirates fan through thick and thin.

"We are still fourth and in a play-off position. Other teams have matches in hand and we need to start winning, that's a definite.

"As long as we have mathematically got a chance, we will keep trying."