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SOLD UP: Mike Golding

OUTGOING Pirates promoter Mike Golding gave up his half share in the club so he could concentrate fully on running Premier League outfit Somerset.

Golding, who had co-promoted alongside Matt Ford at Poole since December 1998, admitted it was a "difficult decision".

The 60-year-old Hamworthy-based businessman sold his 50 per cent share to Ford on the eve of this season.

But the deal was only confirmed publicly by Ford earlier this week.

Golding said: "It was a difficult decision and strangely enough, I do still miss it.

"Basically, it was becoming too much to combine the promoting at Poole and Somerset because there is a lot more travelling in the Premier than the Elite.

"I did it last year to see if it worked out but it was quite tiring at times.

"So Matt and I had a discussion and we did what was best for Poole speedway.

"We thought it was time for us to reach an agreement that Matt would stay at Poole and I would go to Somerset.

"It was all done amicably, like everything has been done over the last nine years there between us.

"I was pleased we could reach an agreement and I'm pleased I can concentrate on Somerset alone.

"It wasn't a decision I reached easily because I have been supporting Poole as a fan since 1956. It's a long time in anyone's life."

In yesterday's Echo, Ford revealed it could easily have been Golding, not him, solely taking charge at Poole.

Golding, who purchased Pirates with Ford off previous owner Mervyn Stewkesbury, said: "There was always that option.

"It could have been that I bought Matt out at Poole if choices had been different."

Ford's business associate, Giles Hartwell, is new co-promoter at Poole, but has no financial input.

7:00am Friday 25th July 2008

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