PIRATES chief Matt Ford admitted his bid to bring back Chris Holder to Wimborne Road had hit a stumbling block but insisted: "It's nothing to do with finances."

Ford wants former world champion and club asset Holder to play a key role in Poole's SGB Premiership title challenge next year.

However, a contract has yet to be agreed and the popular Australian has been linked with a switch to Somerset, who have already moved for his younger brother Jack.

Ford told speedwaygp.com: “It’s a tough one. Chris has his thoughts on something and I have mine on something different. It’s not money, no one should read that into it. It’s nothing to do with finances.

“There are other things not letting it happen at this moment but certainly Chris is a great guy. He is part of our history and has done the club proud. I hope, in return, we have been able to help him.

“If that’s the way we’re going and Chris is happy, I hope these things will come about in the near future.”

Given Holder is part of Ford's plans, the Poole boss would be able to demand a transfer fee for any departure and it remains to be seen if Somerset – or any club – would be willing to pay what would be a substantial figure.

Ford added: “We’re going into a year where we’re probably going to have no television money, so I have lost 20 per cent of my turnover before I even start.

“At this point in time it would help the club financially if I did sell one or two riders. But we’ll just have to see.”