MATT Ford has stressed dropping Craig Boyce "isn't the perfect way" for the Pirates legend to leave the club.

But the Wimborne Road chief added that Poole Castle Cover's leading all-time league and cup points scorer "took it the way I expected him to."

Boyce, who has piled up 4,495 points for the Dorset club since 1988, was told of Ford's decision immediately after he had scored one in Pirates' 44-31 home hammering by Coventry on Wednesday.

Ford said: "Craig has done his job this year and I stress that he has had a good campaign.

"However, I think it is clear in the last month or six weeks it hasn't been quite so easy for him while he has also been giving his all to his engine tuning business as well.

"It seems to have taken its toll.

"I have spoken to Craig on a couple of occasions in the last few weeks to make sure he was still enjoying it.

"It is not the perfect way that either of us would like to see him bow out but he has accepted it just I expected him to.

"After discussions with team manager Neil Middleditch, I think the right move for us was to look at alternatives.

"That's why we are bringing in young Pole Adrian Gomolski until the end of the season, so that we can look at him with a view to 2008, although there are no guarantees of a contract.

"What I really want to press home to the Poole fans, though, is that Craig has given this club great service.

"You can look at the great names in the club's history, Ken Middleditch, Pete Smith, Steve Schofield and Geoff Mudge, who have remained loyal, but Craig has probably given more.

"He has set up a points scoring record that will never be broken as loyalty to one club is just not there in the same way anymore.

"Craig is moving on, but Poole fans will get one last chance to see him wear the famous skull and crossbones race jacket when he will captain the side in a special challenge match here on Wednesday, October 3.

"So I look forward to Pirates supporters, young and old, coming out to see him in force for one final time to reward him for the service he has given the club.

"We'll be making a contribution to Craig out of the gate receipts that night. I don't want people to feel we are lining our pockets.

"We really want to look after Craig so show him your support by attending that night."