POOLE Pirates new boy Paul Starke admitted the demise of Birmingham Brummies had made him realise that a two-league approach would be right for his career.

Starke was a fast track reserve for the Brummies when the club folded in July, leaving him to focus on Premier and National League campaigns with Somerset Rebels and Cradley Heathens, respectively.

The former Plymouth charger went on to bag a memorable treble as captain of Cradley and also racked up the points for Somerset as they reached the second-tier play-off final.

And Starke, recruited by Pirates in last week’s draft, admitted that Birmingham’s downfall – and the success of the ensuing months – had convinced him to cut his schedule for 2015.

He told the Daily Echo: “For Birmingham, it was a shame but it came at a good time for me. At that point my nan – who had come to every meeting to watch me – passed away and riding for three teams was getting a bit too much.

“I was doing a lot of meetings and had to come home and do the bikes myself. It was absolutely flat out and it was hard on my body and my machinery. I was starting to lag a bit.

“It was a good experience at Birmingham but the club finishing probably did me a favour in the long run. Riding two leagues worked out well and next year I’m not going to do the National League - I’m going to concentrate on just two leagues.

“That will keep me sharp and on top of my machinery and will help me to be consistent as well.”

The 24-year-old, who is based in Glewstone in Herefordshire, revealed his delight at a switch to the Elite League reigning champions and insisted that taking his place in “a winning team” would improve him.

Starke added: “Poole is one of the best clubs in the country and is known worldwide. With the way it’s run and the riders that ride there, it’s going to benefit me dramatically and I’m glad to be a part of it.

“Poole have such a big fan base and it’s so much easier as a rider if a lot of supporters get behind the team. That combined with the way the club is run turns you into a winning rider and, hopefully, that will be the case next season.”

  • Starke is looking for sponsors ahead of the new season and those interested should email sponsorship@starkeracing.co.uk.