BOSS Tom Killick believes Carl Preston has his sights set on firing Poole Town up the non-league ladder.

Championship high-fliers Reading last month invited Preston to the Madejski Stadium for a trial after the 20-year-old impressed in front of watching scouts during the Dolphins’ charge to the Wessex League championship.

But Killick last night confirmed the Royals would not be pursuing their interest in the former Cherries starlet, although Exeter City are believed to be monitoring Preston with a view to a pre-season trial at St James’ Park.

Killick told the Echo: “Carl did well at Reading and they were positive about him, but they aren’t going to pursue it.

“They did indicate that they thought he had potential to get back into the professional game, albeit at a lower level than they are at.

“I think they had 10 trialists and they said he was probably the second best of those 10, but there is nothing imminent.

“Exeter were talking about having a look at him in pre-season so they may well be in touch nearer the time.”

Preston was released from Dean Court by then boss Eddie Howe, despite impressing during his Football League debut under Jimmy Quinn against Bury in 2008.

He joined Weymouth, but moved to home town club Poole in 2009.

Preston alerted a number of league scouts after turning in some eye-catching displays during Dolphins’ runs in the FA Cup and to the semi-finals of the FA Vase last season.

Killick added: “He is contracted to us and I think he has reached a point where, although he is still ambitious, he would be happy to stay with us.

“Because of the bumps and bruises he has had up until this stage of his career, he quite rightly approached the Reading thing as simply a good experience.

“That was the right way to approach it and I think he will continue to take things on in that way.

“He is happy at Poole and wants to help us up the non-league pyramid so he can progress with us. If something else comes along then that is great, but I don’t think he is relying on it or pinning his hopes on it.

“Bearing in mind his history, I think that is important for him.”