TAFFY Richardson has turned down opportunities to move to both Hamworthy United and Gosport Borough this summer to pledge his ongoing allegiance to Poole Town.

The 39-year-old seasoned campaigner, who has still yet to sign for Tom Killick's side for the new Sydenhams Premier season, insists he is "99.9 per cent" sure he will be remaining at Tatnam for a third season, despite the interest from rival Wessex League sides.

Richardson told the Daily Echo: "Hamworthy spoke to me earlier in the summer about a possible move "I have a lot of time for Phil Simkin and they are a good bunch of lads down there."

Simkin confirmed: "We had chats with Taffy earlier in the summer. At one stage it was looking hopeful, but it came to nothing in the end.

"I know Taffy very well from our time at Dorchester and he is the sort of player I would love to have. Unfortunately, he's decided to stay where he is."

Alex Pike, meanwhile, was keen to link up with Richardson once again, as they did when Wimborne Town lifted the FA Vase in 1992.

Richardson said: "Gosport didn't really make an approach as such but I had a one-off conversation with Alex Pike about something totally different.

"When we were chatting, he asked me if I'd signed yet and when I told him I hadn't he said he'd like to have me there.

"But I like it at Poole and they have treated me brilliantly.

"I am 99.9 per cent sure I will re-sign for Poole Town - the only reason I haven't signed yet is to wind Tom up!"

Richardson believes Dolphins' recent progression as a club has played a big part in his decision to stay - although he did hint that he could be swayed if an offer came in that he couldn't refuse.

"I never rule anything out - I'm 39 years old but I still think I could play at a higher level, although I'm probably wrong!

"But Poole Town is a really good club to play for. The improvements on and off the pitch over the past couple of years have been phenomenal and I think we will carry on that way."

He added: "We have got the biggest support in the Wessex League and they are generally very nice people down there."