DARCY Ward has warned the speedway world against smothering burgeoning talent Brady Kurtz and insists: "Just let him be himself."

The 19-year-old switched to Poole Pirates on a full transfer from Somerset having added more than a point to his Premier League average last season.

Wimborne Road chief Matt Ford made no secret of his admiration for Kurtz, stating he could "see him taking Darcy's mantle" after making him a Pirates asset.

But despite sharing that belief, Ward reckons the New South Wales star's head has already been filled with too many ideas.

Ward told the Daily Echo: "I think Somerset pushed Brady too hard to be the next best thing. Everyone told him this and that but he is a good rider and he will find himself.

"We said the other day, he has the attitude but he's still a young kid and I think next year, people need to stop telling him things and just let him be himself.

"It is up to him, not everybody telling him or everybody thinking what he will be. He doesn't need to hear it.

"Next year isn't a big one for Brady. My first season at Poole was okay but he's 19, he wants to be getting where he needs to be when he's 23. He's been here since he was 16 and it takes that long.

"Injuries are going to happen. I had a lot but still got to where I wanted to be as a rider, he just needs to take his time and the right guidance.

"For Brady is all about the right attitude. Sometimes he can get angry for no reason – he is a redhead though!"

Ward revealed he had handed close friend Kurtz, who arrives on an assessed 5.24 average, a timely boost ahead of his maiden Elite League campaign by selling him his top engine.

"He has bought a couple of things from me and the best engine I have is Brady's," added Ward "It took me two months to get it the way it is but it is in his hands now.

"Hopefully, that's something that can help him and start a relationship with Peter Johns, who is the man. If you have a good relationship with Johnsy and can ride, you can go as far as you want.

"Johnsy is a smart man, he knows what the business is. My engine must go to him, nowhere else and Brady knows that."

Asked whether Kurtz would benefit from being with Poole full-time, Ward's response was simple.

"Who doesn't? That's the only answer to that," he said.

"That's Matt, Middlo (Neil Middleditch) and Giles (Hartwell) for you. I couldn't imagine it any other way than it was in 2010 when Chris (Holder) brought me to Nando's to meet Matt Ford."