NIELSEN LEG BREAK

Matt Ford revealed he had entered immediate negotiations with a Volvo Cars Poole Pirates asset after reserve Stefan Nielsen confirmed he had broken a leg against Wolverhampton last night.

Nielsen reared up badly on the fourth turn of the opening lap of heat 12 during the 45-45 draw with the Midlanders and hurtled into the fence alongside the start/finish line.

Although it was thought initially that the Brit had only sustained bruising, his camp today confirmed a break to his tibia and possibly fibula, too, leaving the 23-year-old facing a long lay-off.

With Pirates racers Linus Sundstrom, Josh Grajczonek, Mateusz Szczepaniak and Kacper Woryna all set to receive new averages following Monday's fixture against Wolves at Monmore Green, though, Ford will have increased options as he looks to bring in a quick replacement for Nielsen.

Ford said: "It's an absolute crying shame what has happened to Stefan. He was looking really good since coming into the team and we were looking to make his initial 28-day deal permanent.

"But injuries do happen in our sport and this one couldn't have come at a worst time for Stefan. Everyone at the club wishes him well for his recovery and I hope to welcome him back into the Pirates line-up some time in the future.

"I am in talks with a rider to replace him and will know more once the new averages kick in following Monday's meeting, but it is a Pirates asset I am talking to and I hope to be able to say more in the very near future."