MANAGER Tom Killick has backed marquee signing Alan Connell to exorcise the ghost of Poole Town’s promotion near miss – as well as his own injury demons.

Experienced striker Connell, 32, today signed a one-year contract to become to the Tatnam club’s second summer signing alongside midfielder Jamie Gleeson.

The ex-Cherries, Swindon and Bradford frontman had a tough time last season, leaving Grimsby by the end of August before a persistent knee injury curtailed his campaign with Havant & Waterlooville.

But the Dolphins boss is confident his golden gamble will pay off, despite Connell’s season on the sidelines.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “It is no secret that we have been looking to bring in some extra quality and greater numbers in the striking department.

"We were criticised last season for not having enough strength in depth so to land someone of Alan’s pedigree is a real coup. He is vastly experienced, still at a good age and we are confident he can add plenty to our goalscoring potential.

“Had Alan not suffered the injury problems last season, I am sure Havant would have been looking to keep him. Maybe that had a hand in presenting this opportunity to us.

“Signing anyone is a bit of a gamble. You can never predict what is going to happen but I am quietly confident he will be fit and available for us for the majority of the season.

“People of his calibre normally have a good impact off the field because of the professionalism they bring with them. You can never have too many of those people, it tends to raise the bar in terms of the whole squad.

“We could have done with that kind of experienced head and calmness in the latter stages of last season and his experience around the place will benefit everyone.”

Killick acknowledged there would be “limited scope” with regard to further signings but revealed plans to run the rule over former-Wimborne Town winger Jamie Davidson during pre-season.

“I have always been a fan of Jamie and believe he could make an impact if he shows the right attitude and gets himself to right the level of fitness,” he added.

“If everything goes well, I would be hopeful of sorting out something for him.”

Killick continued: “I don’t envisage much more happening. You never say never and we do have one or two coming in on trial but it was never my intention to make wholesale changes.”