STARKE MAKES PIRATES RETURN

CAB Direct Championship holders Poole are one rider away from completing their 2025 line-up after announcing Paul Starke will return to Wimborne Road next year.

The experienced Starke previously appeared for the Pirates in the top-flight, mainly in 2015 and 2017, but he also made three guest appearances in their colours last season.

He began the 2024 campaign with Glasgow before losing his place at Ashfield, and he then helped Workington to clinch a play-off place when he moved to the GT Tyres Arena.

Poole promoter Dan 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.”