TOM Killick is prepared to risk spending his summer kissing frogs in his bid to unearth the next Charlie Austin.

Poole Town manager Killick revealed promotion to National South had instigated a spike in closed-season requests for trials.

But rather than dismiss those hoping to earn a deal with Dolphins, Killick has used his first few friendlies to sort the wheat from the chaff.

American defender Taylor Rice, 26, who has experience of Panama’s top flight with Chorrillo and Plaza Amador, and Italian striker Simone Abate, 25, who played for Sporting Trecastiagni in Italy’s fifth tier, were among those given a second-half run out at Swanage on Saturday.

Ex-Gosport midfielder Dave Jerrard played and scored and while the boss will reserve judgment until he has seen the hopefuls against the likes of Eastleigh, Weymouth and Dorchester, he has no qualms with giving them a chance to shine.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “Some people can be dismissive of trialists who get in touch via email but we try to look at as many as we can.

“Charlie Austin was an unknown quantity, a lad who moved to the area and was looking for a club so you never know when you could strike gold.

“As well as looking at trialists, we will use it as a chance to see some of our own younger players.

“They have performed well so far but I think we will gain a more valid assessment of them when we play sides closer to our level.”

But despite the plethora of trialists, Killick believes the continuity in his squad will be of benefit.

“That is an advantage we have,” he added. “People say we haven’t signed a load of players, which is true, but the nucleus of the squad remains together and has been for a few years now.

“There is a real understanding and togetherness in this group. I was always very keen for that to be the case, even if we could do with one or two additions.

“We only have four established defenders and Michael Walker is suspended for the first match of the season so we need to add to that.

“I would also like to add a wide player but beyond that, I would be happy to look at supplementing the squad with younger players if need be, dependent on injuries and unavailability.”

Captain Jamie Whisken and goalkeeper Nick Hutchings return for tonight’s friendly trip to Graham Kemp’s Bemerton (7.45).

The rest of last season’s squad have either signed or agreed terms other than Abdulai Baggie, who had a 45-minute run out for ambitious National North outfit AFC Fylde on Saturday.

“Everything is agreed and they are all good lads so I have no issues with it,” added Killick.

“They have given me their word and that is good enough for me. Trying to get one or two additions is our main aim over the next three weeks.”