MANAGER Tom Killick has urged Poole Town supporters to forget the past and back Luke Burbidge after sealing the wideman’s return from Dorset rivals Weymouth.

Burbidge completed a controversial summer switch to the Terras despite twice committing his future to the Dolphins following their Southern South & West title success last season.

However, after a disrupted campaign which has seen the Wessex Stadium outfit languishing in mid-table, Killick convinced the former Hamworthy United goal getter to join the push for honours at Tatnam.

And after pointing out the transient nature of non-league careers, the Dolphins manager reckons his returning recruit should be welcomed back with open arms.

Asked whether the swoop would be controversial, Killick told the Daily Echo: “Supporters at different clubs can get carried away over loyalty and it is easy to forget players often get little in return.

“When a non-contract player is not doing so well, clubs have no problem in telling them their services are no longer required so we should not go overboard when an individual decides they are better off elsewhere.

“Luke still has a real affinity to the club and I think he realises now how much he missed being here.

“I hope our supporters realise the important thing is that we have an excellent player back who can help us to achieve our aims for the season.”

Killick continued: “I was very sad when Luke went in the first place and, as you would expect, I kept an eye on his performances ever since.

“It is undisputed that he has been one of Weymouth's best players this season and his decision to come back is a big advantage for us.”

However, fans will have to wait for a glimpse of Burbidge in the red and white with the flexible footballer off on a pre-arranged trip for the next 10 days.