POOLE Town veteran Taffy Richardson revealed his desire to keep playing had prompted his dual-registration with Bournemouth Poppies.

The 47-year-old midfielder signed Wessex League forms at Victoria Park on Thursday and could go straight into Poppies' squad for their derby date at home to Verwood Town on Boxing Day.

Richardson, who rejoined Dolphins in September after a brief spell with Bashley, will continue to train with Poole while the Tatnam outfit have also retained first call on his services.

But after Poppies boss Ken Vaughan was left short of central-midfield options when Bournemouth University students Scott Costello and Gareth Owens went home for Christmas, Richardson explained the move should benefit both parties.

The legend of more than 1,000 non-league appearances told the Daily Echo: “Poole don't have a reserve team so we thought it would be beneficial for me to get some game time and build up my match fitness and sharpness.

“We (Poole) have such a good team that I don't get much time out there and the older you get the harder you have to play to keep up with the youngsters. Game situations are very different to training and I have only started a couple of times since I came back.

“I still feel like I have a lot to offer at Poole but I have to be at my best and ready for action whenever Tom (Killick, manager) needs me and getting games under my belt will help with that.

“I rang round a couple of people and Ken came straight back to me. The ground is just down the road and, hopefully, this helps Poppies out too.

“Coming in here and there doesn't fit with some Wessex League clubs but Ken is happy with the situation, he knows I am committed to Poole and if Tom needs me I will be there.”