PIRATES co-promoter Matt Ford is remaining tight-lipped over his next move in Poole's number seven fiasco.

The Wimborne Road club recruited Australian Craig Watson as their final rider for 2008, on what they thought was a three-point average.

This move was blocked, though, when the BSPA management committee ruled he would have to join on half his 8.21 Premier League average, which he gained at Glasgow last term.

Ford was furious over the decision and is believed to be considering an appeal.

But although he admits to e-mailing BSPA bosses regarding the situation, the Poole co-owner is keeping mum about the possibility.

He said: "I'm just seeing how things go and I'm going to take my time.

"Until I actually hear from someone in the BSPA office, I don't want to say too much.

"There isn't really anything to say at the moment.

"I have e-mailed the management committee but at this point in time, Craig is definitely out."

It seems unlikely any appeal would prove successful and Pirates will almost certainly have to pursue another target to replace Watson.

They can only sign a rider with an average of 3.15 points or a Premier League man on a 6.30 figure or less.

This would rule out a foreign newcomer to British speedway, who would have to join on a four-point average.

Pirates can no longer use a doubling-up arrangement with two second division racers either, after this was outlawed at the BSPA annual meeting last November.

But despite his choices appearing heavily restricted, Ford is refusing to rush into a decision on his final man.

He added: "We're still 10 weeks away from having our first meeting, so I'm just going to take my time and see what becomes available.

"There are no world champions around on a three-point average.

"Doubling up is gone - Coventry wanted to use Josh Auty in their team this season but they weren't allowed to.

"Potentially that rule could have got us out of this situation.

"But for now, I'm just going to play my cards close to my chest and we'll have to wait and see what happens."

Ford could contemplate changing one of his other six riders, in order to free up points to sign a man with a 3.15-plus average.

Another far more risky option could be using a Conference League rider, who is yet to appear in the Premier, such as Pirates asset Jay Herne.

But rather than sign the Weymouth target on a three-pointer, Ford could plump for a more experienced man on that average.

The best options include Berwick's Stanislaw Burza and Chris Schramm, although the Brit has been heavily linked with Ipswich.

Pirates' Aussie asset Tom Hedley, who raced at Newport last term, and Lakeside man Andreas Messing would also fit the bill.

Meanwhile, former Belle Vue racer Ryan Fisher, Mildenhall's Jason King and Newport's Michal Rajkowski could be outside bets.