OWNER Matt Ford admitted Pirates shared the frustrations of their fans in not turning a wheel so far this season but added: “Your club needs you now more than ever.”

The Wimborne Road side last week via the Daily Echo announced their commitment to SGB Championship racing in 2020 – whatever form it would take.

And in a message to the fans via the Pirates website, the Poole boss asked season ticket holders for patience amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “I know many of you personally and understand it's been as hard for you as it has been for us here at the club.

“Mentally, emotionally and not least financially, I'm sure this awful time in our lives has impacted us all in one form or another.

“We feel your pain and if we can help, the management and riders of Poole Speedway are here for you.

“As I write this, it's still uncertain what Speedway action we will see in 2020, but as Danny (Ford, co-promoter) mentioned in the Daily Echo and the official British Speedway website, our plan and intention is to be riding at the earliest opportunity.

“My hope is that by August we will be in a position to open our gates to you all.

“Of course, what this entails is to be seen. Face masks I believe will be compulsory and probably some form of social distancing but as mentioned by Danny and others in the sport.

“We have the space available to allow our regular crowds into speedway stadiums.

“I never dreamt that playing to lower than capacity crowds would actually be of potential benefit to the sport, what strange times we are living in.”

Pirates had been set to kick off their campaign with a home meeting against Somerset on April 1.

Owner Ford added: “A final word to our season ticket holders. Can we ask for your patience at this point, until we know exactly what position the sport is in at the time.

“At that point we will of course contact each of you by email or telephone to confirm your requirements.

“Your club needs you now more than ever.”