POOLE boss Danny Ford believes that new captain Zach Cook is in for a “big season”.
The Wessex Marine Pirates announced Cook as the second signing for 2025 to join Richard Lawson at their awards event in Wimborne on Friday night.
Cook will also replace his elder brother Ben as the new skipper in a new-look side. Tom Brennan also revealed he is leaving the Championship and will not return to Dorset.
Ford said: “Losing Ben, it was really important for us to keep the nucleus of the team.
“Obviously, we've got Richard (Lawson) and keeping Zach was always in our thoughts. I think Zach's in for a big season.
“I don’t think you'll mind me saying he’s kind of always been in Ben’s shadow at Poole.
“Ben’s been the spearhead of the two and I think Zach perhaps, he’s seeing what Ben’s achieving this season, going to Poland and stuff, and he wants the same for himself.
“So I think we are hopefully going to see the very best come out of Zach and he’ll be taking over the captain’s armband from Ben.
“It’s good to keep that in the family, which is quite nice. I really hope he steps into that role the same way Ben did this year.
“A lot of people were questioning our decision to make Ben captain, but he was a fine captain and led us to a treble.
“So if Zach can do the same, hopefully we’ll be in the same situation next year where we’re seeing Zach go on to great things in Poland as well.
“So, yeah, it's certainly a big year for Zach, and we’re absolutely delighted to have him as our captain.
“And, along with Richard, leading the Pirates team for 2025.”
Words by Holeshot Media.
Image by Taylor Lanning.