ZACH Cook will take on the Poole Pirates captaincy for 2025 after his brother Ben left the club after completing the 2024 treble as skipper.
The younger of the two Cook brothers first joined Pirates in 2022 and he has extended his stay into 2025.
With Ben’s departure confirmed as Poole secured the KO Cup to complete the 2024 treble, the side were in need of a new captain.
Promoter Danny Ford believes Zach is the man to step into his brother’s shoes, and thinks a big season awaits the 25-year-old Australian.
“Losing Ben, it was really important for us to keep the nucleus of the team,” Ford explained.
“Obviously, we've got Richard [Lawson] and keeping Zach was always in our thoughts.
“I think Zach's in for a big season.
“I don't think you'll mind me saying he's kind of always been in Ben's shadow at Poole.
“Ben's been the spearhead of the two and I think Zach perhaps, he's seeing what Ben's achieving this season, going to Poland and stuff, and he wants the same for himself.
“So I think we are hopefully going to see the very best come out of Zach and he'll be taking over the captain's armband from Ben.
“It's good to keep that in the family, which is quite nice. I really hope he steps into that role the same way Ben did this year.
“A lot of people were questioning our decision to make Ben captain, but he was a fine captain and led us to a treble.
“So if Zach can do the same, hopefully we'll be in the same situation next year where we're seeing Zach go on to great things in Poland as well.
“So, yeah, it's certainly a big year for Zach, and we're absolutely delighted to have him as our captain.
“And, along with Richard, leading the Pirates team for 2025.”
Cook is the second confirmed rider for Poole in 2025, with Lawson already signed on for another year.
The Pirates number one was announced as a Poole rider for next season at his testimonial in September.
Ben Cook said, after confirming his departure, that his tenure at the club had been ‘crazy’ seeing them achieve fantastic things over his four years in Poole.
Promoter Ford told the Daily Echo this week that work was well underway in confirming the squad for 2025, with hopes to make all team announcements by Christmas.
He said he is very confident of putting together a team that can be competitive and retain the treble of the BSN Series, Championship and KO Cup.
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