POOLE boss Danny Ford admits he was left “a bit stunned” by Steve Worrall revealing his exit from the club.
The Wessex Marine Pirates captain opened up on his departure following their shock KO Cup defeat to Scunthorpe on Saturday night.
Ford did also admit that they knew he was leaving but the sudden announcement caught the club off-guard.
He told Total Guide To Dorset: “We knew he was off. We had been in discussions with him and we’ve done what we could to try to fit him in. It just didn’t materialise.
“He sprung it out of the blue. I wasn’t expecting him to announce it tonight (on Saturday), which has left us a little bit stunned. We have still obviously got one meeting left to go, so it wasn’t ideal.
“The team-building average for next year is being reduced drastically. We come in over seven-and-a-half points above what the proposed points limit is for next year which means huge team changes, which is never nice.
“Stevie has obviously been fantastic for us the past few years and a great captain for us this year. We are gutted to lose him but we wish him all the best, of course.
“Hopefully we can win one more bit of silverware next week.”
Worrall first signed at Pirates for the 2020 season that never happened due to Covid.
He remained with Poole for the following three campaigns – claiming two league titles, two Knockout Cups and the inaugural BSN Series crown.
Worrall will get the chance to earn one more trophy when Poole take on Leicester Lions at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, in the rescheduled Jubilee League final (7.30pm).
Ford added: “It’s really, really tough but we knew which direction we were going in. We did try to make it work but it didn’t with other riders. It’s one of them.
“Unfortunately, that’s the nature of speedway. You get penalised for being successful. We came in with the highest team average out of everyone this season.
“We have to make the most changes and drop the most points. Unfortunately, Steve was a victim of the numbers game.
“I know he wanted to be back here. We would have happily had him back, should we have been able to fit him in and been competitive.
“Obviously we are gutted to lose him. He’s a quality rider.”
Worrall was fairly pragmatic about his departure after a difficult 10 days which has seen the Pirates lose the league and cup to Glasgow and Scunthorpe at Wimborne Road.
He said: “I have really loved my three years at Poole. But with the way things have to be in speedway with the points and averages then there comes a time when you have to move on.
“My time is next season, and I am so gutted that I do so without having lifted either of the last two trophies.
“I would like to thank all at Poole Speedway, the amazing supporters, promoters, sponsors, track staff and volunteers for the last three incredible years.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Images by Taylor Lanning.