MATT Ford has stressed some Pirates' fans have "become very unforgiving" in their pursuit of success after dropping Sergey Darkin and bringing in Craig Watson.

The Poole Castle Cover chief took the decision to axe the Russian after he failed to score from three rides in their comfortable 58-34 home win over Ipswich on Wednesday night.

Darkin, who has not notched a point in 10 rides for the Dorset club, will line up for them for the last time at Peterborough in the league on Thursday (7.30pm).

Then Watson, who has spent much of the last two years on the injury list, will take the Russian's place for Pirates at Coventry on Friday.

Speaking last night, Ford said: "If Sergey had got among the points tonight, both from a managerial and fans point of view, the decision would have been much harder.

"But because it hasn't worked out for him again, the decision was there for us to make.

"I have to say Sergey has been a gentleman and he understands what position the club is in.

"It is built on success although it has become blatantly obvious that the Poole fans have become very unforgiving at the same time."

Ford, whose club have won eight pieces of silverware in the previous six seasons, feels expectations among the more critical element of the Wimborne Road faithful are far too high.

He added: "I had spoken to Sergey before the meeting and it had become blatantly obvious that his lack of practice was causing a major problem.

"We felt that it was in both our interests that he goes away, recuperates and gets as much track time in as he can.

"Sergey is on loan to us from Eastbourne for the season and if he can recover his form you never shut the door on anyone."

Ford, who has brought Watson in on a full transfer from Newport for an undisclosed fee, added: "While being disappointed that things haven't worked out for Sergey, I'm very happy to welcome Craig back into the fold.

"He has always been dear to us here and I'm glad he got a good reception when he was presented to our fans after last night's meeting.

"While we always try to be realistic, he is coming into the difficult number four riding position.

"If Craig can give us the commitment in the first bend that we have perhaps been lacking, it will be more effective for the club. It will give us that extra missing link.

"Craig does not shut off, will be as hard as he can and will want to win races."