POOLE Town’s Josh Carmichael is hoping to get off to a strong start this season – both on a personal level, and in terms of team performances.

Last campaign was hit and miss for Dolphins and Carmichael, with both blighted by injury and poor form.

27-year-old Carmichael missed parts of pre-season due to knocks and niggles, but due to Poole’s lack of squad depth, was rushed back for the opener against Gosport.

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He lasted 45 minutes before having to come off, but this season, the former Cherries youngster has had the chance to properly build up match fitness over the summer.

Carmichael played the full 90 minutes on the opening day, helping Dolphins to a 3-0 win at Winchester City.

When asked if he was raring to go for the new campaign, Carmichael told the Daily Echo: “I hope so.

“I mean, even towards the end of last season, I got injured as well and I missed the last month and a half, so I've tried in the off season to get some fitness going and then play some games in the pre-season.

“I haven't been through a pre-season properly, especially last year was a bit of a nightmare because I think going into the season I was really unfit.

“I was no near the levels I wanted to be at, and I think Tommy (Killick, Poole manager) knew that as well.

“I just think he had a bit of belief in me that I might actually turn up and perform, but it wasn't to be I don't think.

“That first game of season Gosport away, I really struggled, but I played for the under-23s, got some fitness and then eventually I think I got going a little bit and it was all right.

“But yes, the season should be hopefully a little bit different and I'll be raring to go. “

This year Dolphins are looking to push for promotion, following the addition of proven quality in Toby Holmes, Luke Cairney, and ex-AFCB favourite, Wes Fogden.

Holmes and Carmichael have previously won the league title with Taunton and Weymouth respectively, whilst defenders Jamie Whisken and Will Spetch lifted the same trophy with Poole in 2016.

When asked if the older players had their part to play in lifting the team’s levels, the former Scottish youth international responded: “Definitely 100 per cent.

“I don't think we were anywhere near where we should have been last year and I think everyone knew that.

“We all feel like we've got a team that can definitely challenge.

“I don't think the team that won it, Taunton, I think they're obviously good, they had a gameplan and they've did everything right, I don't think they were miles better than us.

“I just think they won games and sometimes you just need that knack of not being very good but winning a game and they seemed to do that all season and hopefully we can do the same this year.”

Poole Town host Tiverton Town at the BlackGold Stadium this weekend, kick-off 3pm.