PIRATES chief Matt Ford admitted Darcy Ward's collapsed move to Lakeside had left him "slightly disappointed" but insisted the Aussie star had joined Swindon with his blessing.

Having linked up with the Robins on loan last week, Ward is tonight due to lock horns with his parent club in a Sky-televised Elite League clash at Blunsdon (7.30pm).

The 23-year-old had been in high demand following his return from a worldwide ban with Swindon edging an epic race for his signature.

And Ford revealed he had been downhearted after a proposed move to the Hammers had hit the buffers.

He told the Daily Echo: "It had looked like Darcy was going to Lakeside and I was slightly disappointed that the deal fell through.

"I don't think Lakeside are really riding for anything this year and in Jon Cook they have one of the best promoters in British speedway, so I would have been quite content for him to go there.

"It would have been a shot in the arm for them and helped with their crowds, and that is my only thoughts on it. It's not anything to do with the personnel at either Lakeside or Swindon because they are both very well-run clubs.

"When Swindon showed they were prepared to make wholesale changes to make it happen, I'm sure Darcy was very flattered.

"I think the biggest reasons he went to Swindon are that it's a Thursday rather than a Friday club and his Polish club insist that they practise at weekends, and of course that Blunsdon is only 70 miles away.

"I would support Darcy wherever he went and he goes with my blessing. I'm pleased he's back riding. That has to be in everyone's interests in British speedway."

Ward's move to Swindon came as part of a significant shake-up with Czech youngster Eduard Krcmar also joining the Robins ranks after Adrian Miedzinski and Kyle Howarth exited the club.

Ford insisted the Robins had taken a big gamble in their pursuit of a play-off spot and had released a talented rider in former Poole asset Howarth.

"Losing two good riders and signing one good rider in Darcy and a 'chance rider' is a huge risk," said Ford.

"I think that's a huge move to replace anyone of around Kyle Howarth's average. He is an excellent rider and just because we sold him, that doesn't mean I don't still rate him very highly.

"It's not for me to tell them how to run their business but I have to say it's a very brave move."

Meanwhile, ticket prices have been slashed to just £10 and Ford is keen for supporters to take advantage of the reduction.

He added: "I'm hoping that Pirates fans will head to Blunsdon en masse and shout us home to victory. We're going there for nothing less than maximum points."