DANNY Ford insisted it had been “no surprise” to see Peterborough charger Charles Wright claim his first British Championship – and believes the Panthers would have a point to prove at Poole tomorrow (7.30pm).

Stockport star Wright stunned National Speedway Stadium by outgunning former winners Danny King, Craig Cook and Chris Harris in the final.

Asked about Wright’s stunning display, Ford said: “He looked unbelievable. Between him, Danny King and Craig Cook – I thought they all looked quite exceptional.

“I’m a massive fan of Charles and I think he has got amazing potential.

“It was no massive surprise to me. He has been one of the stand-out performers for Peterborough this season.”

Peterborough, who are expected to have Hans Andersen back from injury against Pirates, sit bottom of the SGB Premiership table with just 17 points from 16 meetings.

Ford added: “I am sure they will be massively up for it. Having Hans back and Charles in such good form is a massive boost for them.

“They are not where they would like to be in the league, I’m sure. They will be coming to us looking to prove a point and get their season going.”

Meanwhile, Pirates skipper Josh Grajczonek took a guest booking in place of Andersen for Peterborough, in their 55-35 defeat at neighbours King’s Lynn last week.

He only totalled one point for the Panthers, with the club claiming the Aussie said did not want to be paid for his efforts.

Panthers chief Carl Johnson said: “Josh came up to me and apologised after the meeting, I could tell he was gutted about it and said he didn’t want paying.”

Grajczonek, who has been in stellar form for Poole, is set to line up against Peterborough at Wimborne Road. Pirates will once again run rider replacement for the injured Richie Worrall.

Pirates: Jack Holder, (r/r), Nicolai Klindt, Josh Grajczonek, Brady Kurtz, Nico Covatti, Ricky Wells.

Panthers: Rohan Tungate, Scott Nicholls, Charles Wright, Ty Proctor, Hans Andersen, Aaron Summers, Ryan Douglas (guest).