MATT Ford revealed how Pirates had proved a hit with the younger generation – thanks in part to new promoters Anthony Tilley and Danny Ford.

Poole pushed through various initiatives to attract youngsters to Wimborne Road last year, including free gifts, reduced ticket prices and a pre-meeting football competition played on the centre green.

And, according to Ford, the club’s efforts paid off, assisted by its incoming promoters.

Tilley is a director of Poole-based company Bespoke 4 Business, a digital marketing agency where Danny works as a senior project manager.

Chief Ford told the Daily Echo: “These guys have a huge amount of knowledge in terms of digital marketing, which is immensely important for moving the club forward.

“That’s something which is not my strongest point.

“It began to pay dividends last year when they were advising me on one or two things and it showed in terms of a significant increase in children coming into the stadium – our figures doubled from the year before.

“Now we want to continue to move forward in that respect.”

Pirates won the SGB Premiership crown last year having overcome King’s Lynn over two play-off final legs.

It was the Dorset club’s eighth league title in 16 seasons, all of which had been won under the direction of owner Ford and team boss Neil Middleditch.