PIRATES promoter Danny Ford insisted he spoke daily with dad Matt about the running of the club – but admitted it had been frustrating with the pair split across countries.

Oakdale resident Danny now oversees the day-to-day running of the Wimborne Road outfit, while club owner Matt is based at his Chateau La Briance resort in France.

Matt was unable to attend Pirates’ first home meeting against Berwick earlier this month.

But Danny revealed the communication between the pair had never been stronger.

He told the Daily Echo: “I have spoken to my dad more this past year than I ever have before in my life! Just trying to get stuff sorted.

“It’s not been easy not having him here, by any means, and it would have been so much easier if he were here.

“Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, he has effectively been stuck in France with the quarantines and everything.”

He added: “We speak daily. I go through every single procedure with him, making sure all the Is are dotted, crossing all the Ts.

“He’s as frustrated as I am, he wants to make sure everything is going to go smoothly and support me.

“It has been frustrating but I felt like we have dealt with it the best we could under the circumstances.”

Pirates next home meeting comes against Kent Kings on Wednesday, as the Dorset club look to make it three wins on the bounce in all competitions.