SWINDON rider Lee Smart is set to be axed from the Poole Pirates team following his poor start to the season.

The reserve has only managed eight points from five meetings for the Wimborne Road club, including failing to score in two matches.

Smart’s poor performance has led to promoter Matt Ford’s patience wearing thin, with a switch set to be made as early as tomorrow.

Smart currently sits 19th in the BSPA fast track draft grading list, meaning Pirates must use a rider below him who is eligible for a full-time position.

Ford told the Daily Echo: “I will apply to the BSPA in the next 24 hours and then we will inform the Pirates supporters of the change that’s being made.

“We hope the new one-to-seven will be finalised some time today.

“We’re going to make a change and it may be that we try something for another month or so until we find what’s best for the club in that position.”

Despite being close to wielding his axe, Ford admitted he felt a great deal of sympathy for 26-year-old Smart.

“If the fast track system had happened five years ago it would have been so beneficial to Lee because he was really on the verge of making it at that time,” said Ford.

“I do believe whoever rides at number seven will find it very hard. There isn’t anyone out there that’s tearing things up and it will be no different for whoever comes in to replace Lee.

“It hasn’t quite worked out for him. He’s not racing enough because he’s not in the Premier League, he’s only in the National League and he’s only had one meeting.

“Lee’s been chasing from the back because of a lack of meetings. There’s been no lack of effort and I wish him all the best and I hope he gets fixed up elsewhere and does himself proud.”