Ronnie Moore said, "I've had a few good signings from Harry down the years so I expect Michael Poke to be challenging for our first team. He needs experience, but he's here to put pressure on Chris Day for the number one spot. I haven't brought him just to sit on the bench." Poke was an unused substitute for the Chesterfield game and was expected to start against Leeds United in the Carling Cup but he wasn't used in the game. Southampton refused to give him clearance as they may need him later in the season.