'Sadly, I’ll move on' - Worrall delivers shock announcement on his Poole Pirates future

Steve Worrall will not be part of Poole Pirates' plans for the 2024 campaign.

Skipper Steve Worrall openly revealed he would not be part of Poole Pirates’ class of 2024.

The British star had been part of the Pirates’ septet since they dropped down to the Championship in 2020.

But Worrall delivered the shock announcement that he would be riding elsewhere next season, following the Dorset club’s Championship Knockout Cup defeat to Scunthorpe.

Speaking in the club’s post-match press conference, the 32-year-old said: “Honestly, team building. It happens. It starts happening already and points limits change.

“Sadly, it means someone has to go and I’m having to move on to somewhere else.

“I think it’s only right to say thank you to everyone here. Three years – I think we just get used to winning trophies.

“Up until joining Poole, I only won the league once with Edinburgh back in 2014. You come to a club like this and you feel it automatically happens year in, year out.

“It was the same this year. We expect to win and make the finals. You finish top of the league and you just expect to.

“It’s been fantastic. Probably the best three seasons of my career so far and one of the best clubs I have ever raced for.

“Sadly, I’ll move on to new things but thank you to every single person who has been here supporting us.”

Richard Lawson top-scored with 10 points from five rides in the cup final for the Wimborne Road outfit, who lost Anders Rowe once again on his return to action in the skull and crossbones.

The sides battled to a 45-45 draw on the night during the second leg at Poole, with Scunthorpe claiming the cup 92-88 on aggregate.

Former Poole reserve Drew Kemp recorded 10 points for the visitors, while Simon Lambert top-scored with 12.

?? PIRATES COME UP SHORT ONCE AGAIN

?? Congratulations to the Scorpions on their KO Cup victory#PiratePride pic.twitter.com/lRgIDzzhrK

— Poole Pirates Speedway (@poolespeedway) October 21, 2023

Pirates picked up the inaugural BSN Series earlier this season, but have finished runners up in both league and cup.

Worrall will bid farewell to the Poole fans at Wimborne Road on Wednesday, as they contest the rescheduled Jubilee League final against Leicester Lions.

(Picture: Taylor Lanning Photography)