The fixtures for Poole were released this week, with the curtain coming up on the season on Good Friday, April 3, when they host Plymouth in the BSN Series.
Promoter Ford is looking forward to getting going.
“Now the fixtures are out, the countdown’s well and truly on, a long time coming,” he told the Daily Echo.
“Obviously we know that with the delays because the AGM was delayed, because the question marks over the Premiership, but they’re here at long last. Looking forward to getting going in April.”
That visit of the Gladiators sees Pirates kick off the season on their traditional Good Friday meeting, which is a key one for the club.
Danny Ford with the Championship trophy (Image: Taylor Lanning)
“Good Friday is always a really, really important one for us, obviously it’s the curtain raiser,” Ford said.
“It’s good to start off with a win over one of our local rivals, but financially for the club, it puts us on the front foot after what’s quite often a very expensive off-season.
“Unfortunately last year we lost Good Friday due to the weather, hopefully this year we have a bit of luck.”
Asked if there were any individual meetings, or runs of fixtures that caught his eye, Ford said: “I think the way that the league’s structured this year and the makeup of all the teams, it’s going to be a really interesting season.
“So I don’t think there’s any necessarily standout fixtures. I think every fixture is going to be incredibly tough.
“Of course, people’s eyes are going to be drawn to the likes of Glasgow and Oxford, who over the past few years have been our sternest competition.
Danny Ford embraces the Pirates team after they won the Championship. (Image: Taylor Lanning)
“So, we have Oxford twice in the BSN and then in the league, they’re always hotly contested, as are our clashes with Glasgow.
“But to be honest, I think there’s quite a few dark horses in the league, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a few other teams really challenging this year and giving us a good run for our money.”
That being said, Ford is hoping Pirates can continue their phenomenal trophy success in the second tier, and regain the treble they won in 2024 and fell just short of last season.
“Last season was obviously relatively successful, winning two out of the three trophies and winning the most important ones at that,” he said.
“But we were all very disappointed to miss out on that treble, something that we really want to rectify this year.
“I say every year, but I think the league is probably more competitive this season than it has been since we joined the Championship.
“So, if we’re going to be making a stake for that treble, we’re going to have to be at our best. I actually feel that I’m happier with the team this season than what we had last season.
“I think it’s a really well-balanced and very exciting team with a good blend of youth and experience. So yeah, it’s shaping up to be a great season. Hopefully we can go one better.”