MATT Ford has hit back at claims he bullied Lakeside into selling Piotr Swist to Pirates ahead of Monday's innovative free-admission Sky match at the Essex venue.

Poole Castle Cover chief Ford exclusively told the Echo: "I don't know what planet Jon Cook at Lakeside is on. On paper, Swist was the best short-term option available to us with an average low enough to slot into injured Jason Doyle's place.

"If he had belonged to any other team Lakeside wouldn't have worried a jot about us bringing him in. But the fact he had a short spell with them a couple of years ago means they are treating his return as a real threat.

"Jon's made a mountain out of a molehill on this one. In the end he forced our hand and we have had to sign Piotr on a full transfer so he is able to ride on Monday.

"Piotr is tremendously excited at joining us but Lakeside are acting as though we have just signed Tony Rickardsson.

"The facts are simple. Our number eight Ritchie Hawkins is a whole-hearted performer, but we don't believe it is fair to him or the rest of the team to use him next week in four important league matches.

"We have scanned riders from around the world and availability is restrictive because of Jason's average. Had Doyley ridden the required number of matches this season his tally so far this season would have made it easier for us.

"As far as we're concerned we've got to get Piotr into the team as quickly as possible.

"We're treating it purely as a temporary replacement unless, of course, Piotr slots in and starts hitting match-winning points."

Ford also revealed Cook's public comments over the Swist affair have upset Poole promoters, particularly as they had been so helpful in loaning key heat leader Krzysztof Kasprzak in the close season.

"The Lakeside promotion were desperate to add Krzysztof to their side in the winter and we had several interested Elite League clubs who wanted him," said Ford.

"But we stood by our word and made sure Krzysz joined them despite pressure from others.

"Of course, I could have insisted that Krzysz stand down when we race against Lakeside but I wouldn't have been that petty."

Ford added: "I'm upset because all we are trying to do is put out a competitive Poole team that will hopefully provide a decent meeting for Lakeside and Sky Sports viewers.

"I'm disturbed that they have taken such a stand."

The row has stoked up the tension for Monday's match, which is being screened live on Sky Sports.

For the first time in speedway, there is free admission, the match revenue being generated by French motorcycle manufacturing firm Ixon to cover staging costs.