Starke rejoins Pirates for 2025 campaign

Danny Ford revealed Paul Starke as the sixth member of Poole’s 2025 line-up before insisting: “He’s never let the Pirates down.”

The 34-year-old rejoins the Pirates on a 3.36 average, giving him a place in the reserve berths.

Starke rode for Poole in their top flight seasons of 2015 and 2017, while also making a brief, one-match appearance in 2018 as emergency cover for the injured Nicolai Klindt.

He featured in three matches as a guest for the Wimborne Road outfit last season, scoring paid 22 from fourteen rides.

Ford said: "Starkey has had a tough couple of seasons, but one thing we know for sure is that he’s never let the Pirates down.

"He stepped in as a guest for us a few times last season and delivered solid performances, and he showed his quality again with two excellent displays for Workington at Wimborne Road, top scoring with 7+1 and 10+2.

"We were keen to get a deal done early with Paul because, on a 3.36 average, there is huge potential for improvement.

“We fully expect him to be pushing for a position in the main body of the team. Paul knows what it takes to succeed here, and we’re confident he can rediscover his best form in 2025.

“We’re delighted to have him back on board and can’t wait to see him in the skull and crossbones again."

Pirates have already confirmed Richard Lawson, Zach Cook, Tobias Thomsen, Lewi Kerr and Anders Rowe in their line-up for next season. With their final member yet to be announced.

(Picture: Taylor Lanning Photography)