Poole Town make two more signings as pre-season begins with a win

Luke Holmes is back for his fourth spell at Poole <i>(Image: Ian Middlebrook)</i>
Luke Holmes is back for his fourth spell at Poole (Image: Ian Middlebrook)

POOLE Town have signed two more players, just ahead of making a winning start to their pre-season schedule.

Prior to a 3-0 win at Shaftesbury, Dolphins confirmed the return of two players.

Luke Holmes is back for his fourth spell at the club.

The midfielder first joined Poole at the start of the 2015-16 campaign, following his release from Cherries.

Following spells at Wimborne Town, Dorchester Town and Salisbury, Holmes returned to Poole in 2019, before the season was curtailed due to COVID-19.

Holmes went back to Wimborne, before signing for Poole again in 2021, his game-time limited by injuries.

The 27-year-old dropped down the leagues and spent last season at Shaftesbury, but is now back at BlackGold Stadium.

Boss Steve Tully said: “He’s a player that we’ve admired and someone that can win games with his ability and vision in the final third. We can’t wait to work together.”

Tyler Forbes has also returned to Poole.

Having spent most of last season with the under-23s, Forbes was given a chance in the senior side by Tully and has now re-signed ahead of the new campaign.

Tully said of the British Virgin Islands international, formerly of Weymouth and Shaftesbury: “I’m delighted to have Tyler signed for the season.

“He made a massive contribution in the eight games at the end of the season with his pace and trickery out wide.

“I’m looking forward to working with him and developing his game even further.”

Both Holmes and Forbes featured in Poole’s win at newly-promoted Shaftesbury on Tuesday night. The Rockies will compete one level below Poole this season.

Jack Hoey broke the deadlock early on, before second-half goals from Jake McCarthy and Toby Holmes, Luke Holmes providing two assists.

Dolphins step up their level of opposition this weekend, when they welcome Dorking Wanderers of National League South to Tatnam (1pm).