TOM Killick is convinced Poole Town’s policy of investing in player contracts will pay dividends for the ambitious Southern League club.

The Dolphins manager was speaking after former Cherries winger Carl Preston and ex-Weymouth defender Sam Clarke signed new deals to remain at Tatnam until the end of next season.

Both players have been rewarded as they continue to help Poole’s bid to reach the Division One South & West play-offs this season.

Clarke has made 25 appearances this term while Preston, a graduate of the Dean Court youth ranks, has further enhanced his reputation with 12 goals in 38 Dolphins matches.

Killick now has the nucleus of his squad on contracts, with captain Michael Walker, striker Dan Cann, defender Will Spetch and midfield duo Steve Devlin and Marvin Brooks also tied to the semi-professional outfit.

He told the Daily Echo: “I am getting to a point where I believe that, for the stability of the club, the more players you can have on contract, the better.

“The club has now progressed to a point where we have to be more ruthless in terms of team selection and so on.

“What I am trying to avoid is players getting upset in the short-term because they are not in the side and being able to take an easy option to leave, which de-stabilises what you are trying to do.

“At this stage of the season, although we are concentrating on trying to get in the play-offs, you have got to be very aware of getting your squad together for next season.

“Sam and Carl are two very good players and I wanted to make sure I had them for next season. By the end of the season, I always want to try to get myself in a position where I am not worrying about losing the players I have. Then, it is just a question of going out and trying to add to the squad in the summer.”

Killick added: “You never want to be obstructive in relation to the players’ careers, but the club has to try to protect its own interests. With contracts, there are advantages and disadvantages for both sides.”

Killick will be hoping that Clarke and Preston begin to repay Dolphins’ faith in tomorrow’s Tatnam showdown with promotion rivals Hungerford Town (3pm).

Poole could strengthen their grip on a play-off place if they manage to emulate the away victory they secured over Hungerford in November.

Killick added: “We are in good form, high in confidence and we have most players available.”

Keith Emmerson is unavailable but Taffy Richardson and Scott Joyce both return.

Meanwhile, Killick says he is looking to add another player to his squad, with Jake Rowley one of a number of targets being considered.

Dolphins: (from) Fisher, Clarke, Walker, Baggridge, Spetch, Gill, Preston, Howes, Devlin, Brooks, Smith, Cann, Skelton, Bayston, Richardson, Joyce.