MANAGER Tom Killick spent a four-figure fee on Steve Devlin and then backed the attacking midfielder to boost Poole Town’s Southern League dream.

Dolphins boss Killick snapped up the Dorchester Town star on a two-and-a-half year contract after agreeing an undisclosed deal with the Magpies, as revealed on the Daily Echo’s Twitter feed last night.

The 26-year-old had established himself as a fans’ favourite at the Avenue Stadium after scoring 11 goals in 104 appearances and twice being named supporters’ player of the year.

But Killick persuaded the proven Conference South performer to drop down two levels – and insisted Dorchester’s loss would be promotion-chasing Poole’s gain.

He told the Daily Echo: “Steve is an established Conference South player and, at 26, he is not on his way down.

“It is a brilliant signing. He is versatile and he can play anywhere across the midfield or up front.

“I said previously that we were trying to get players to get us out of this league and he is someone who is clearly good enough to play two levels above.

“We believe he can help in our push to get in the play-offs. But irrespective of whether we make it, we believe he can be a force in subsequent years as well.

“We hope he’ll help this year but whether we are in the league above or having a go in this division, the fact he has signed a contract of that length shows the intent of the club.”

Killick thanked the Tatnam board for supporting him in the transfer market, adding: “The directors work so hard and put in so much, and are ambitious to drive the club forward.”

Devlin will make his Division One South & West debut at home against Mangotsfield today (3pm).