POOLE owner Matt Ford confirmed the Dorset club is up for sale shortly after the Pirates had clinched the top-flight league title for the eighth time at King’s Lynn on Wednesday night.
The Wimborne Road outfit successfully defended their 16-point first leg lead at the Adrian Flux Arena, despite the Stars closing to within six points on aggregate with three races to go. Afterwards, Ford said: “Firstly, congratulations to the riders and management team. The way the boys have performed to take us from bottom to winning the title in just a few months is nothing short of astounding. “I couldn’t be prouder of everyone associated with the club and this title feels equally as sweet as all the others since I have been involved at the club. “But nothing lasts forever and I can confirm the club is up for sale. My family and I are looking at a new business opportunity abroad and while this may not be my last season at the club, my time is coming to an end. “I won’t abandon the club – I must make that abundantly clear. It is my business and unlike many sporting ventures, it is a profitable one. But the time has come for me to try something new and I’m hoping that someone will see the value in the club and take it on in the future. Whether that will be this year, or next, I don’t know. “But for now I just want everyone associated with the club, fans, riders, sponsors and staff, to enjoy this incredible moment in our history.”
• VISIT Speedway Xtra for a report and pictures from the Premiership Grand Final, second leg – and don’t miss next week’s Speedway Star for all the reaction from both camps.