Speedway: Darcy's last chance says Poole boss Ford (From Thisisdorset)

Speedway: Darcy's last chance says Poole boss Ford

7:00am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Latest Sport By Ian Wadley

PIRATES chief Matt Ford has implored Darcy Ward to fulfil his world champion potential after telling the Aussie ace: It is down to you now.

The speedway star is back at his Dorset base after jetting into the UK to prepare for the upcoming season.

Ward hit the headlines last month after appearing in court Down Under to plead guilty to charges of driving under the influence of drink and drugs, failing to stop for police, driving without a licence and driving an unregistered and uninsured vehicle.

The 20-year-old, signed as Pirates’ number one for the 2013 campaign, issued a public apology to his fans, colleagues and employers after reportedly being hit with a $5,500 fine following the incident.

Ward had received his visa before returning to England last week and he has since held face-to- face talks with Poole promoter Ford and team manager Neil Middleditch.

Ford is now urging Ward to show what he can do on the track. He told the Daily Echo: “Darcy does appreciate the situation and I know that his Swedish team have also had a conversation with him.

“We have sat down with him already but, in Darcy’s case, he has got a lot of people to make things up to.

“The fans will feel that they, perhaps, want to see a little change in Darcy’s attitude and I am sure they will do.

“I have said that we are almost in the last-chance saloon and I think Darcy appreciates that now.

“He knows that he shouldn’t have done it and I think he has made the right moves, initially, to try to make sure these things don’t happen again.

“He has certainly listened to advice that has been given now it is down to him to make sure that he sticks by it, gets on and becomes the world champion that we all know he can become.”

In a statement released last month, Ward said: “I would like to offer my sincere apologies and explain to my fans, staff and committee members for the disappointment that I have caused to them as a result, and for the lack of trust in me that has subsequently resulted. I will do everything in my power to earn that trust back.”

Ford confirmed that Ward was set to practice in Poland this week before heading to New Zealand ahead of the opening Grand Prix of 2013 on March 23.

Ward, a wild-card entry into the series, will start as one of the title favourites as he makes his debut as a full-time world championship rider.