DANNY Ford hopes Pirates current crop can be inspired by the successful class of 1969.

Poole on Thursday host Wolverhampton in SGB Premiership (7.30pm) as well as four members of the club’s first British League First Division title-winning side from 50 years ago.

Bruce Cribb, Ted Laessing, Pete Smith and Mike Vernam will be in attendance at Wimborne Road, with Pirates’ 2019 side aiming to clinch a play-off berth.

Co-promoter Ford said: “It’s an absolute privilege to have four of the 1969 team with us this week.

“You can’t fail to be inspired by what they achieved 50 years ago and I’m sure the boys will be fired up to do well with them in attendance. The 1969 team went 18 matches unbeaten at home and we need to make Wimborne Road a fortress for our remaining home meetings and take some great form into the play-offs.

“We’ll also be thinking of the other three riders from 1969 who can’t be with us – Gordon Guasco, Frank Shuter and Odd Fossengen, who sadly passed away in 1970, 1997 and 2018 respectively. Sadly, Geoff Mudge resides in Adelaide and can’t be with us.”