TOM'S GLORY ERA IS OVER!

TOM KILLICK revealed how the ‘humbling’ backlash to his sacking after more than 19 years as Poole Town manager had proved a sanctuary amid his maelstrom of emotions

- Andy Mitchell

The Step 3 Dolphins announced last Sunday that Killick, who had masterminded five titles and four promotions, was to exit after 975 competitive matches in charge.

The sudden manner of his departure and comments from major shareholder Andy Rossiter in the Bournemouth Echo, stating a replacement had already been lined up and had “always been my planned manager at some time in the future”, led to outrage from fans and players.

Ex-Crawley Town striker and Bashley manager Matt Tubbs was named as his successor less than 24 hours later.

Rossiter described “a really hard decision” but said “I’ve nearly doubled the budget” since arriving and that planned surgery this month would keep him away until October.

“The board felt if the form carried on into this period, then late October, November would be too short a period to win the championship,” he said.

Speculation