MATT Ford has revealed the sporting star he uses as inspiration to keep Pirates at the top – Sir Alex Ferguson.

Poole Pirates have often been dubbed the ‘Manchester United of speedway’ and now Ford is attempting to emulate manager Ferguson’s will to win.

The Wimborne Road chief says he takes heart from Ferguson’s desire after spending such a lengthy period at the pinnacle of his sport.

While Ferguson has been at United since 1986, Ford is entering his 14th season as boss of the Poole club.

Pirates have claimed a host of titles since Ford took charge in 1999 and the Dorset outfit added another trophy to the collection by beginning the 2012 campaign with Elite Shield glory last week.

Ford admits the challenge of trying to maintain that success can take its toll, but he insists he is relishing another Elite League push.

The Pirates promoter and owner told the Daily Echo: “There is a point when the season ends in October, particularly if you have been successful, when picking yourself back up and going for that fight again can be quite draining.

“When I look at people in other sports, in particular Sir Alex Ferguson, I think ‘how does he get that fighting spirit every single year?’.

“That is tough, especially when there are other clubs every bit as good as you are and you know that to beat them you have really got to pull something out of the bag. It is tough but enjoyable at the same time.”

Ford, a keen football fan, continued: “It is not just the success but the fact Sir Alex Ferguson is up for the fight every year.

“He is still as keen to win now as he was when he started at the club. That is an amazing feat.

“I can’t imagine for one second that I am going to be around for quite so long as Sir Alex has been at Manchester United, but who knows? I always thought I would only be here for five years and this is my 14th.”

Ford confessed to being nervous ahead of the campaign curtain-raiser against Wolves after building a new-look team during the winter.

But following that two-legged success, Pirates face a home challenge match against Belle Vue on Wednesday before starting the league season against rivals Coventry on Good Friday.

Ford added: “There will be a few banana skins along the way and I am particularly worried about the Coventry dates on Good Friday.

“We go to Coventry in the morning but when we come back here at night both Sam Masters and Ludvig Lindgren in that doubling-up position are unavailable.

“Unquestionably, that will affect us and we are not going to be quite as strong. We need to be strong because their top four are excellent and their bottom three will be sniffing glory against whoever we bring in. It is going to be tough.”

Pirates face Belle Vue in a challenge match at Wimborne Road tomorrow (7.30pm).