BOSS Tom Killick reckons Poole Town have fired the ultimate signal of intent ahead of the new season – by protecting their nest of talent from circling vultures.

Killick revealed he had finally beaten off competition from Southern League heavyweights Weymouth to retain midfielder Marvin Brooks, with Luke Burbidge also agreeing terms despite a “lucrative” offer from Gosport.

Poole’s boss quickly got to work after their heartbreaking near miss by re-signing eight key personnel but admitted the loss of any senior stars – particularly to their direct adversaries – could have affected the squad’s resolve.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “The psychological element was important. When you have a strong group of players, they do not want to see one of our mainstays going to a rival.

“I am pleased with what we have done. When you have a team that was outstanding in the league for so long which then fails to get promoted, you always fear clubs will want to pick certain players from your squad.

“It is that which makes you feel a bit vulnerable. To have fended that off and recruited the quality we have has made it a really good summer so far.

“Losing a senior player to a rival would have sent out the message that they might be a better option, a scenario that would have cast a cloud over the whole group and it wasn’t just Marvin’s situation.

“There would have been a number of lads who had interest from elsewhere which was why I was so pleased to be able to retain them all.”

Burbidge has always been reluctant to pen contract terms but Killick revealed he had persuaded the 19-goal wideman to commit this time round.

“As I understand it, the offer that Gosport made Luke was a lucrative one, so I was pleased he decided to stick with us and he is going to sign a contract this time,” he added.

“I was concerned about the prospect of losing him, I really didn’t want that to happen.”

Killick confirmed he was close to finalising deals for defenders Lewis Tallack and Lewis Lindsay, with keeper Nick Hutchings expected to stay put once he returns from a summer of travelling.

Keith Emmerson should be available more frequently next season and Luke Roberts has agreed terms with little further transfer activity anticipated.

“I am not looking to bring anyone else in,” Killick continued.

"To retain pretty much all the players from last season and to add two top quality players in Jamie Gleeson and Alan Connell was big for us. Carl Preston is back from injury so that will be like a new signing.

“We have Jamie Davidson coming in for pre-season and there may be scope to add one more but if I started the season with the squad I have now, I would be happy with that.”