ELATED vice-chairman Chris Reeves declared Poole Town's campaign "alive and kicking" after the club was effectively given the green light to remain in National South.

Dolphins' step two status was in jeopardy due to issues surrounding their Tatnam headquarters. And they were facing the prospect of being demoted back to the Southern League unless they could find £70,000 to get the ground up to scratch by the end of this month.

Poole have carried out extensive improvements to the venue including installing low-level terracing, re-positioning a floodlight and putting in extra turnstiles, at a total cost of around £170,000 with no facility for the club to receive a Football Foundation grant.

The newly-named Black Gold Stadium was yesterday inspected by Football Association officials and they look likely to recommend it for a category B grading.

Reeves told the Daily Echo: "It's a massive relief and all credit to a clutch of fantastic people who worked hard to ensure we were able to get to this point.

"Our season is categorically alive and kicking. Every single game I have been so proud of the players. We have got the main man in charge in Tom Killick and I'm so proud of what he, Callum Brooks and the players have produced – it's been incredible."

Poole, currently fifth in National South, still have one major hurdle to overcome should they reach the play-offs for promotion to the National League – just one division from the Football League.

According to National League requirements, to qualify for promotion and to participate in the play-offs, clubs must achieve a category B grading and have 500 seats under cover by the March 31 deadline.

However, while this could be a stumbling block as Poole do not have the required number of seats under cover, it is believed this regulation is over and above FA ground-grading rules.

The National League board is due to meet tomorrow and Dolphins are set to be contacted afterwards over whether they are eligible for the play-offs.

Reeves added: "If they tell us we can't participate, then we would have to consider an appeal to the FA."

Poole are encouraging supporters to turn out for the visit of Concord Rangers on Saturday with the clash designated as a pay what you want match – when spectators can pay as much, or as little, as they want for entry.

The club plans to show Cherries’ Premier League clash with Southampton, which is being broadcast by BT Sport, at the ground from 5.30pm.

Reeves added: "We're hoping people will turn out in force and that they will pay us a reasonable amount for admission. But if they want to pay us nothing they will still be let in.

"We are anxious to show as many people as possible how we've transformed the ground and we are expecting newcomers to be impressed with both the ground and the football.

"If we get an extra 400 or 500 people on top of our normal 500 gate, we'd like to think 30, 40 or 50 per cent of those people would want to come back as regulars."