TOM Killick expects “driven” Micky Hubbard to be a big hit as part of his Poole Town coaching structure.

The Dolphins boss has recruited Hubbard to aid himself and assistant Taffy Richardson, as Poole prepare for their Southern League South campaign.

Former Cherries youngster Hubbard was part of Dolphins’ Wessex League glory days under Killick.

The manager told the Daily Echo: “Micky is going to come on board to help and it has been very positive so far.

“It has never been a secret that I like to try to have people at the club who do have an affinity with it and Micky comes into that category.

“He has good a history and affection for the club and he is also a very driven individual. I think he can do well and Taffy is a good person for him to work with - they know each other and get on well.

“We feel it is something which can be beneficial to Micky and the club. He is someone I have a lot of time for and I am very happy to give him an opportunity.”

Alongside assistant Richardson, Hubbard played 39 times in Wessex Premier and scored five goals as Poole romped to the 2008/09 title with 116 points.

That was to be the start of a hat-trick of league crowns for the Dorset club.

Hubbard also played a key role in the following two seasons, racking up 38 league appearances during 2009/10 and playing 35 times in the 2010/11 campaign.

The midfielder featured on 32 occasions in helping Andover Town seal second spot in Wessex Premier last season.

Although he has signed Southern League registration forms, Killick insisted Hubbard’s role with Dolphins would be primarily behind the scenes.

“Micky accepts his involvement in terms of playing is probably going to be limited,” he added.

“There may be circumstances where he does become involved but we have to mindful of the fact we have a lot of young players at the club and we don’t want to obstruct their opportunities.

“If the need arises Micky can do a sound job for us on the playing side but, primarily, his role will be assisting Taffy and I.”

Dolphins are set to begin their pre-season schedule on Saturday (3pm) when they host National South Torquay United at Black Gold Stadium.

Killick added: “You have mixed feelings about it, it has to be said, because we would like to have been playing Torquay in a league match but we have to get over that.

“It’s a privilege for us to welcome a club of their stature. From a players’ perspective, when they look at pre-season schedules, they like to have games against bigger clubs and that is what he have.”

Poole have also recruited winger Sam Griffin to go alongside new signing Franklyn Clarke.

Both played an integral role in guiding Blackfield & Langley to the Wessex Premier title last season.