TEAM boss Neil Middleditch is adamant Darcy Ward will return to Pirates and says he would happily help the Aussie star take over his mantle.

Ward had his burgeoning racing career cut short by a crash in Poland last summer and the Queenslander is currently undergoing treatment for serious spinal injuries Down Under.

And while the 23-year-old has plenty of rehabilitation to undergo, he has expressed an interest in team management in the long term.

Middleditch, who has regularly described himself as Ward's surrogate father, says he would be honoured to mentor the Wimborne Road favourite if the opportunity arose.

Discussing a potential return for the ex-Grand Prix star, Middleditch told the Daily Echo: "I'm sure we have not seen the last of Darcy Ward helping Poole Pirates to win the league.

"He wants to stay involved and the club want him to stay involved as well so it would be brilliant if it happened.

"I would be honoured to have him come in. I'm not getting any younger, let's put it that way!

"Darcy could take over my mantle or work alongside me and I would be absolutely honoured to have him here. I would happily show him the ropes.

"I have had a number of successful seasons at Poole and I'm happy to continue as long as Matt Ford wants me and if Darcy wants to come in and join us, that would be fantastic.

"But at the moment Darcy is still sorting his life out and there are other factors like visas that would need to be looked at."

Ward recently revealed plans to hold an individual meeting at Poole – the Darcy Ward Cup – this summer.

And Middleditch is confident that such an event would be a success given the high esteem in which Ward is held by supporters.

Middleditch added: "I think the fans, and in particular the Poole fans, will continue to turn out for him to help his rehabilitation and I have the greatest respect for everyone for doing that.

"I would like to think any event would attract a big crowd and a great field, and of course fixtures will have to be looked at so we can ensure the best turnout possible for the riders.

"I think the interest in Darcy is testament to the impact he made in his short career. He is thought of highly by everybody and that will continue for a long time.

"The support is fantastic because Darcy needs all the help he can get."

Meanwhile, Pirates number one Chris Holder scored 12 paid 13 for Torun in Sunday's 51-39 victory over Zielona Gora.

Krzysztof Buczkowski endured a tough time in Grudziadz's 56-34 loss to Gorzow, the 29-year-old totalling four paid five.

In the Polish second tier, Davey Watt managed six points for Daugavpils in their 51-39 win over Krakow.