STARKEY MAKES IT SIX

Poole Pirates have revealed the sixth member of their 2025 team as being former Pirate Paul Starke, who steps into the team as a reserve on a 3.36 average.

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

Starke rode for Poole in their top flight seasons of 2015 and 2017 whilst also making a brief, one match appearance in 2018 as emergency cover for the injured Nicolai Klindt. But last season, as Ford alluded to, Starke featured in three matches, as a guest, scoring paid 22 from fourteen rides.