PROMOTER Danny Ford says he is “cautiously optimistic” about Poole Pirates’ hopes of glory this season.

Poole topped the SGB Championship standings and reached the Knockout Cup and league grand final in 2023, but could not lift the two major trophies available to them.

They did however win the inaugural BSN Series. Pirates made a strong start to the defence of that crown in their 2024 season opener, with a 61-29 thrashing of Oxford Cheetahs.

Wet weather has halted Poole’s progress since, but they are due back in action on Wednesday, hosting Edinburgh Monarchs in the first leg of the Knockout Cup quarter-final (7.30pm).

Just three members of Pirates’ 2023 septet are back for 2024 in number one Richard Lawson and brothers Ben and Zach Cook.

Discussing the strength of the Championship this year, Ford told the Daily Echo: “I’m very happy with what we’ve got.

“I’m cautiously optimistic with our chances.

“I think we’re there or thereabouts, but I think there’s lots of strong teams.

“I’ve already earmarked a couple that I think are going to be incredibly tough to beat over two legs, which is obviously the goal.

“Last year we probably had a strong top five in the league and maybe the bottom four weren’t quite up to that standard.

“This year I think it’s a lot more competitive.

“Unfortunately Plymouth have lost their number one, who they are struggling to replace.

“If they hadn’t, I think the league probably would be as equal and as fair as it could’ve been.

“Other than that, I don’t think there will be many whipping boys.”

League fixtures for Poole begin on Saturday, May 4, away at Berwick Bandits (7pm).