MATT Ford believes Chris Holder’s Grand Prix triumph will provide “huge publicity” for Poole as the town and club prepare to greet their hero.

Pirates chiefs are planning a spectacular homecoming for the Bearwood-based Australian after he conquered the speedway world on Saturday.

Holder will be back at Wimborne Road tomorrow when Pirates host Coventry in a match arranged to help celebrate his world championship exploits.

After last night’s Elite League grand final first leg at Swindon was postponed, the Coventry clash will also be Holder’s first appearance on British soil as the 2012 world champion.

Pirates promoter Ford told the Daily Echo: “For me, nothing beats a championship (Elite League) victory – that is what we are here to do. That is my prime job. But to piggy-back on the success individually is immense and huge publicity for the town.

“Everyone across the world will be seeing Chris’s homecoming tomorrow. I am sure we will have camera crews from all over.

“It is a huge story for all of us. In a year where we were blessed to have many local athletes doing so well in the Olympics, this is truly the icing on the cake for everyone who loves our sport.”

Ford revealed that a series of presentations had already been planned for Holder as the Dorset outfit salute his epic title win, which was sealed in a dramatic final round at Torun.

Pirates chiefs Ford, Giles Hartwell and Neil Middleditch were among the Poole contingent in Poland and Ford described “feelings of elation”.

He said: “I was receiving five or six messages per race, with people wishing Chris the best.

“There was lots of emotion for everyone around us. We were lucky to be a row behind Chris’s mum and dad, his partner Sealy and his young son Max. It is something that will live with us forever.”

Holder followed in the footsteps of Mark Loram and Tony Rickardsson in winning the world crown as a Pirates rider.

Ford revealed the legendary duo had both been in contact to pass on their congratulations to 25-year-old Holder.

Ford also wished to express his gratitude to ex-Pirates rider Rod Colquhoun for the part he played in Poole first signing Holder, having helped with the talks between the Dorset club and their current captain.

Meanwhile, Pirates’ Elite League grand final showdown with Swindon has been rescheduled following last night’s postponement.

The first leg will now be staged on Monday, with the second leg to follow at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, October 17.