Ford's regret over Watson loan

Having signed the Australian from Newport last March on a full transfer, Ford loaned Watson to the Tigers in June, after dropping him at Poole.

The 31-year-old left Wimborne Road low on form and confidence but rediscovered this north of the border.

That inspired Ford to re-sign Watson, on what he thought was a bargain 3.00 Elite League average.

But this move was blocked by the BSPA on Monday, after they claimed the Sydneysider must enter the top flight on half his 8.21 Premier League figure.

And Ford feels he has been punished for giving the Scottish side the use of his rider.

He said: "When Craig stood down from the team, we could have blocked his move to go to Glasgow.

"We could have insisted he didn't ride in all their meetings and not get a new average.

"But what we did was let him go on loan to a Premier League club, who were in need at the time.

"Obviously, Craig re-gathered his confidence in speedway.

"But our decision has put us and Craig in a very vulnerable position."

When Ford searched for a replacement for inept Russian Sergey Darkin in March 2007, Watson was without a team.

The Aussie had failed to agree terms with then parent club Newport, due to a disagreement over sponsorship.

But instead of loaning Watson to Pirates for a brief spell, Wasps promoter Tim Stone demanded a transfer fee. Poole did not seek a similar deal with the Glasgow management last season.

The rule, which prevented Watson from returning, was set up to ensure riders did not manipulate their averages for winter team building by underperforming in certain divisions.

But Ford has hit out at a "dated" regulation, which has thrown his Pirates 2008 blueprint into disarray.

He added: "It's upsetting that Poole's move to sign Craig has been blocked and I have sent the management committee an e-mail asking how this can be.

"We have appealed that this rule is dated and has hurt us badly."