PIRATES chief Matt Ford has revealed Karol Zabik asked to leave Pirates three times before allowing him to go earlier this season.

Ford also confirmed he wants to retain the Pole as a Poole Castle Cover asset ahead of Zabik's anticipated return to Wimborne Road with his new club Peterborough tonight (6pm).

Zabik, who is trying to shrug off a dislocated shoulder injury in a fall at the Showground on Thursday, returned to British speedway earlier this month after being released by the Dorset club in May.

The Pole sustained several injuries from falls while riding for Pirates and also suffered a dip in form after starting the campaign brightly.

Asked if he felt Zabik had anything to prove to Poole's promotion or their fans if he lines up at Wimborne Road tonight, Ford said: "No."

Then Ford added: "Karol came to me on three separate occasions at the start of the season.

"Twice me and David Adams at Wessex Marine persuaded him to stay.

"But the third time he did that, he had just scored 11 paid 13 and still wanted to get out, so we kind of had to let it happen.

"I was very worried at the time about his health."

Despite letting him go, Ford continued: "I still believe Karol will make a very good speedway rider if he can just calm down, enjoys himself on a bike and realises he doesn't have to do it all in one year.

"He just has to take his time and enjoy speedway. It is there to be enjoyed. He can get a lot out of the sport if he can relax a bit more."

Asked what reception he would like Poole's fans to give Zabik before tonight's Elite League clash if he rides, Ford said: "A good one.

"I'm going to the British Speedway Promoters' Association annual meeting because I still believe I have a case that Karol should be our asset now.

"Even though he only did 11 matches for us, the commitment from the club was there because it was the rider who asked to be stood down from the team.

"I will get that over to the general council at the annual meeting as I believe Karol should be a Poole asset.

"We'll have to see what happens at that meeting.

"I just want everyone (the Poole fans) to treat Karol like they do any other returning ex-Poole rider and give him a big cheer."

Panthers were the last team to beat Poole in the league, 46-44 at Wimborne Road on June 4.

Pirates' stage the official opening of their Hall of Fame' in the Champs' Bar after tonight's meeting.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder, 2 Magnus Zetterstrom, 3 Bjarne Pedersen, 4 Adam Skornicki, 5 Davey Watt, 6 Freddie Eriksson, 7 Daniel Davidsson.

Peterborough: 1 Ryan Sullivan, 2 Lukas Dryml, 3 Kenneth Bjerre, 4 Karol Zabik or rider replacement, 5 Daniel King, 6 Henning Bager, 7 Claus Vissing.