PIRATES icon Darcy Ward did not hold back when giving his views on the club’s call to drop down a division, labelling it “terrible”.

The two-time world under-21 champion admitted he was “disgusted” by the situation in which Pirates were set to compete in the SGB Championship this campaign.

Aussie star Ward suffered a career-ending crash in Poland in August 2015, sustaining serious life-changing injuries which rocked the Wimborne Road outfit to the core.

Prior to the accident, the Australian international had been widely regarded as a future world champion, his enforced retirement leaving Poole without the most potent weapon in their asset base.

And despite admitting he now knows nothing about how the club runs and had not been there for four years, Ward expressed his sadness over seeing Poole not competing at Britain’s elite level.

The 28-year-old told the Speedway Star: “To be honest, I was disgusted.

“But I know nothing about the club and how it runs. Obviously, the financials are why they have done it and I know nothing about that.

“I’m just sitting in Australia and my heart bleeds blue. Then I saw them go down by choice. I don’t have anything good to say about it. It’s terrible.

“They’re the best club in Britain and have been since Matt (Ford, owner) took over. They have been so dominant for the last 10 years.

“They must have close to the best crowds in Britain, although I haven’t been there for four years. The crowds are pretty good compared to other places.

“But of course, I’d still love to see them win the Championship.

“I want them to succeed. Middlo (Neil Middleditch) is still team manager. It’s still Poole Speedway.”