MANAGER Tom Killick reckons landing the Southern League title would be the ultimate repayment for supporters who suffered during Poole Town’s "dark days".

Avoiding defeat at home to title rivals Corby on Saturday (3pm) would see Dolphins claim the crown and return to non-league's second tier for the first time since their brush with oblivion during the mid-90s.

Killick said: “A lot of our supporters remained dedicated to the club for a number of years through an incredible amount of adversity.

“Poole went from being a major force in non-league terms to the point of extinction, so for us to reach the Conference South would be a massive thing for all the people who stayed loyal during the dark days.

“I am very mindful of that which is why I feel so strongly about achieving this goal for the fans and a very hard-working group of directors.

“I don’t know whether I should say this but I want it even more for the players. As manager, that has to be my closest allegiance and I firmly believe this group deserves to play at the next level.”

  • GRAB tomorrow's Daily Echo for two pages of build up featuring manager Tom Killick, captain Jamie Whisken and influential midfielder Carl Pettefer ahead of Poole Town's decisive title showdown with Corby.