FORD CONTENT WITH DRAFT OUTCOME

Poole boss Matt Ford is "happy with the outcome" of the Elite Riders Draft that took place in Rugby this afternoon which saw Kyle Newman and Paul Starke being declared for the defending league champions.

Speaking after the conclusion of business at the BSPA headquarters Ford confirmed "Yes I'm happy with the two riders that will be at reserve for us next season.

"Bringing Kyle back was always in my plans. He really developed last season and you've only got to look back at the result of our annual  awards to see what level of esteem he is held in by our fans. So with him being a "protected" rider under the scheme as a club asset it was a no-brainer to have him back.

"I am equally pleased to welcome Paul Starke to the club. He had a good season with Somerset last year and I have had good reports about him. I believe his experience and ability will provide us with that added bottom strength that can be so important."

"Now that our reserves have been sorted we can focus on resolving the top five. It's a different way of doing things compared with previous years as there was a time when sorting the top end always took priority.  I am hoping to have some firm news on that score within the next couple of weeks.

"We are facing a title defence for the second successive season and I want to get it right and give ourselves the best possible chance of making it three in a row."