Pitchero Non League

.....promoted Blues' first ever campaign in the Blue Square Bet South.

The 31-year-old declared: "I wanted to stay and I've agreed it with the gaffer Craig Edwards and I can't wait for us to get started."

Poole, who scored the vital penalty kick away to Margate in their 2-2 draw that secured promotion from the Ryman League Premier Division, made twenty-one appearances for the Blues since signing last December and was an influential player in their promotion run-in.

"I'm really pleased to have signed on for what will be a great experience for many of the players and I think we will more than hold our own at this higher level," he said. "I did have another offer come in to me but I didn't want to leave this great group of players because we're a real unit."

Poole, who the previous season left Braintree Town after helping them to promotion to the Conference Premier, said he had his reasons for leaving the Amlin Stadium outfit.

"Perhaps it was pride that made me make the decision to leave but I've no regrets at coming to Billericay," he added.

Poole also revealed that he had never won promotion with a club and then stayed on but he was only too happy this time around adding: "I know Craig has some good players lined up to strengthen us and I think it's going to be a good season and I can't wait for it to start."

He went on: "I have agreed to stay and I really do believe we can surprise a few people next season. It's going to be tough because there are some good sides in the division but I'm confident we will do well."

Edwards this week confirmed that when pre-season training starts on June 30th he expects to have forty to fifty players with many coming in as triallists.

"We've invited all of last season's championship winning side of course plus probably around another twenty or so players," he said. "We'll have a look at all of the new players and then whittle them down and hopefully pick up a couple of good, young prospects as we did last year," said Edwards.

"We've the same playing budget as had in the Ryman League and I believe it will be the smallest in the Blue Square Bet South.

"But we'll be giving it a go and the sole aim is to establish ourselves and stay in the league," he said. "I know there are bigger and better financed clubs we'll compete against but we'll not worry about that."

He added: "All the players, even those from last season, know that there will be competition for places in every position and everyone will have to earn their place in the side."

Tags: News | Blue Square Bet Blue Square South

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