Born in Staines, Surrey,[2] Poke attended Longford Community School in Tachbrook Road, Feltham before joining Southampton as a trainee.
His loan was extended for a second month,[8] but his only other game for the Cobblers also came in the Football League Trophy, playing in the 3–2 defeat away to Colchester United on 23 November.
[10] In the summer of 2007 Poke was the only fit goalkeeper that Southampton could take on their tour of Norway,[11] making his full debut for the club in the 12–0 demolition of part timers Svarstad.
On 9 January 2008 Poke went on loan to Conference National side Torquay United,[12] taking over as first choice from Martin Rice who had recently taken over the role himself from Simon Rayner.
He had played four Conference games for Torquay, against Salisbury City, Histon, Kidderminster Harriers and Weymouth, without conceding a single goal.
[20] On 1 January 2012 it was announced that Poke would join Bristol Rovers on loan for an initial one-month period,[21] which was then extended to the rest of the season.
Ling stated "I tried to sign him last summer and it never came off because Brighton didn't want Michael to leave, but he is an ideal replacement for Bobby Olejnik and will work well in the goalkeeping unit with Kenny and Martin Rice."
[26] However, after impressing within the first few games of his loan spell, Poke suffered a minor shoulder injury in late September, therefore causing Portsmouth to recall him.