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Michael Poke

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Gulls welcome back Poke

Torquay United have welcomed back Michael Poke after he re-joined the club on a one-year loan deal.

Poke originally signed at the beginning of the year but was re-called by Southampton due to an injury crisis at the club.

The loan does involve a recall but there are strict rules governing loans for goalkeepers.

United boss Paul Buckle told the club's official website: "If I had a pound for every time that some has asked me if Michael is signing I wouldn't have had to come into work today!.

"It has been a lot of hard work but well worth it, Michael was sorting a new contract out with Southhampton and he had to settle that situation first which is only right. I had to give him time and space to do that and in return he gave us his word that we would be the he would join once he had sorted things out. Knowing Michael and the kind of person he is I had no problem in trusting him, he is not only a top goalkeeper but a top person as well."

Michael was equally delighted to make his return.

"It's great to be back, I had a great time here last season. There looks to have been a few changes but they are a good bunch of lads and Torquay is a great club."