Ford steps in as manager

Ford steps into the role on a temporary basis because Poole Meridian Lifts team boss Neil Middleditch will be in Hamar for the Norwegian Grand Prix in his duel role as England manager.

That capacity means Mid-dleditch will oversee the English riders during today's official practice for the opening round of the 10-meeting World Championship series that takes place tomorrow.

Ford, jokingly, believes that because he managed Pirates to a 39-33 win at King's Lynn in a rain-affected challenge match in March he can enjoy more success tonight.

The co-promoter said: "If we win tonight, it will just show I am a better team manager than Neil.

"If we win, I think I'll apply for the England manager's job!

"Joking apart, Neil has to be in Norway to look after England's interests so I am more than happy to step in for us at the East of England Showground.

"We'll give it our best shot. We only lost 47-43 there earlier in the season and if our guests go well we could push the Panthers all the way."

Pirates, who climbed ofSky Sports Elite League following their 55-35 demolition of Peterborough at home on Wednesday, will be looking to build on that success. But it will be tough as they go to Anglia without spearhead Tony Rickardsson, who is preparing for the GP meeting.

Hans Andersen and Bjarne Pedersen are both ruled out as well because the Danish Motor Union have invoked a rule which means the two riders sit out any meetings 48 hours prior to World Championship rounds.

The two Danes line up in a 2003 GP quarter-final qualifier at Pffaffenhofen, Germany, on Sunday.

Pirates use rider replacement for Rickardsson at Peterborough, who do likewise with their GP man Ryan Sullivan.

Pirates: 1 G Havelock, 2 M Zetterstrom, 3 T Svab (guest), 4 R Fisher (guest), 5 R/r for T Rickardsson, 6 T Chrzanowski, 7 M Staszewski.

Peterborough: 1 R/r for R Sullivan, 2 S Parker, 3 D Howe (guest), 4 S Tesar, 5 B Brhel, 6 H Bager, 7 C Harris.