MATT Ford admits he would love to sign Tai Woffinden to solve Pirates' number one headache but will stick with sidelined racer Krzysztof Kasprzak for now.

Having attracted a raft of criticism for his displays in Poole colours, Kasprzak's season took a turn for the worse when he broke his collarbone in a racing crash in Poland on Sunday.

The former world number two, who had sustained the injury three times previously, is tomorrow due to go under the knife and is hoping to return to the track within three to four weeks.

And discounting the unexpected event that Ford receives an offer he cannot refuse from double world champion Woffinden, the Pirates chief has vowed to remain loyal to Kasprzak, this after receiving contact from two riders keen to make the move to Wimborne Road.

Speaking ahead of tonight's home clash with Rye House (7.30pm), Ford told the Daily Echo: "Two riders who have similar averages to Krzysztof have contacted me. Perhaps it would make us stronger if they came in and hit the ground running – they are both very good riders and I'm sure they would do a good job.

"But I have a feeling Krzys will put it right and if we let him go, we could be left with egg on our face. To a degree it is in his own hands, unless something untoward happens between now and his return to fitness.

"It can happen at times, sometimes people make themselves available. If I took a call from Tai Woffinden telling me he would like to come back to British speedway, I'd make the move in a heartbeat but I don't expect that to happen.

"We will give Krzys time to recover and, hopefully, we can cover his absence with reasonable riders.

"After Rye House, we have a two-and-a-half week break and we will be in a much better position to know how Krzys is recovering and how we are at that point."

With Kasprzak set to return to the septet, Ford has warned the Polish star he must quickly deliver in the skull and crossbones.

Team boss Neil Middleditch last week expressed disappointment at the 32-year-old's efforts, which add up to a paltry four wins in 18 rides.

Ford said: "Because of Krzys's below-par performances so far, he will need to hit the ground running.

"It's been a hard start to the season for him. He has struggled to get the set-up right everywhere and we are in a sport where results dictate.

"While I have every sympathy for Krzys as a rider, we do need to make sure we are as competitive as we possible can be."

Pirates: (from) Hans Andersen, Jack Holder, Kyle Newman, Nick Morris (guest), Brady Kurtz, Nicolai Klindt, James Shanes.

Rye House: (from) Chris Harris, Edward Kennett, Scott Nicholls, Stuart Robson r/r, Ricky Wells, Robert Branford, Ellis Perks.