DANNY Ford said Pirates would look to reschedule Neil Middleditch’s testimonial for later in the season but described as “absolutely devastating” the postponement of the original date.

Pirates’ home team boss Middleditch had attracted a star-studded line-up to celebrate his legendary career with the club, which included the likes of Chris Holder, Bjarne Pedersen and Scott Nicholls.

Former world champions Tony Rickardsson, Gary Havelock and Mark Loram were also due to attend at Wimborne Road on Wednesday.

But with the fixture suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ford is hopeful Middleditch’s showcase event can be rearranged.  

He told the Daily Echo: “It’s absolutely devastating. I really feel for Middlo.

“A lot of organisation had gone into that from his side and the club’s side as well. It was a great line-up with some really special guests coming.

“I do feel for him, massively. We will try to schedule it in for the end of the season if possible.

“At the minute we just have to see how things go. It’s uncertain times and we couldn’t possibly say when it’s going to be.

“But we will do everything we can to get that fixture back in for this season.”