PIRATES chief Matt Ford is hoping Australian star Chris Holder will return to the club "in the not-too-distant future".

Poole asset Holder had been snapped up by Ford during the winter but last week confirmed he would not don the skull and crossbones this season.

The Sydneysider has been battling undisclosed personal issues.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "I'm immensely disappointed. We gathered it was becoming unsolvable and as hard as he tried, Chris didn't seem to be getting anywhere.

"It's very disappointing for everyone connected with the club that he won't be able to race for us this year.

"All we can hope is that his issues are resolved and that he can represent the club again in the not-too-distant future.

"In many ways it's upsetting, not least for Chris who is having these issues.

“From the club's perspective, we built the team with him as one vital part of it and it meant we missed out on other riders who we allowed to pursue team places elsewhere.

"Clearly, I wouldn't have done that had I known this at the beginning.

"This only came to light the day before press day – it was a bolt out of the blue. It's unfortunate but we now press ahead."