DARCY Ward has lifted the lid on how his support network at Poole Pirates has helped quell the anxiety of his drawn-out speedway suspension.

Poole’s prized asset last night revealed on his hearing with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) – world speedway’s governing body – over a failed alcohol test at the Latvian Grand Prix in August was likely to be pushed back beyond the turn of the year.

The extended uncertainty has thrown into chaos the 22-year-old’s plans for the next season with Pirates and clubs on the continent keen to start naming their teams for 2015.

Ward was provisionally banned from all speedway on August 28 pending the judgment day which was initially expected to take place during the early part of this month.

The Dorset-based Aussie ace, an avid spectator during Poole's end-of-season charge to the 2014 Elite League title, politely maintained his silence on matters directly related to the case.

But Ward has spoken out to publicly thank his team-mates for securing the championship in his absence as well as the club’s fanbase for making him feel at home.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Ward said: “If you ask Matt (Ford, promoter), we are much more than just business partners, we are good friends and will be for a long time and it is the same with Middlo (team manager Neil Middleditch) which is comforting.

“It is still hard for Matt, the club and the fans but it’s no harder on anybody than myself. It has been tough.

“Things have not been too bad (at Poole). Obviously, it has not been great but mostly, the support has been really good. Not too many people have got angry or given me lots of grief.

“There will always be haters but you have to try and look at the positives after such a negative thing and the welcome I got on the stage (at the club’s awards ceremony) was really nice. It makes you feel warm.”

On the team’s success, Ward added: “It shows that we have a great side, even without a true number one. I am sure our fans would say that we have had that for many years but it was comforting to see.

“Everybody stepping up to win the league in my absence was really good. It made me look not so much the bad guy and made me feel that little bit better during a tough time.

“The main thing was that Poole got the win. That is what this club is all about and what it always wants.”

READ: Suspended Darcy Ward expects FIM hearing to take place in January