WIMBORNE Road chief Matt Ford believes straight-talking captain Chris Holder has the leadership skills to enhance Pirates’ Elite League chances.

The Bearwood-based world champion, in his sixth season with Pirates, is again the Dorset outfit’s skipper for the 2013 campaign.

Holder, who has scored 46 paid 49 points in four meetings for Poole this term, realised his rich potential by winning the Grand Prix title last year.

And his lofty status in the shale sport was this month underlined when he was named as Ryan Sullivan’s successor as captain of Polish club Torun.

Poole promoter Ford says Holder has the knowledge and people skills to get the best from his colleagues.

Discussing the 25-year-old, Ford told the Daily Echo: “I have seen how he operates in the Poole pits and he is excellent.

“Chris does things quietly, as Neil Middleditch does as team manager.

“He knows the riders who he perhaps needs to give a rocket to and the ones who need an arm round the shoulder.

“It is about being able to read the person you are speaking to. That is an art in itself and I think Chris has definitely got that.

“He is very factual in the way he speaks to people. He doesn’t pull any punches but says it in the correct manner.”

Ford added: “I think it shows the regard Chris is held in now, to be both captain of the Pirates and Torun. His rise in the past few years is clear for everyone to see.

“He is always ready to offer assistance to senior professionals and juniors. He has a great knowledge of how a bike and set-ups work.

“I have seen the younger riders going to Chris regularly but I still see people who are about 10 years older going for advice. He has got quite an old head on young shoulders.”

BLOB Pirates’ home clash with Wolverhampton Wolves was yesterday postponed due to a waterlogged track.

The Elite League showdown will now take place on Wednesday, April 17.