TOM Killick is backing Taffy Richardson’s bid to become Wimborne Town manager, insisting his “refusal to accept mediocrity is just what that club needs”.

Magpies chairman Ken Stewart confirmed Richardson as one of eight candidates for the post on Wednesday alongside the likes of Phil Simkin and Ashley Vickers.

Poole Town boss Killick served as Richardson’s number two at cash-strapped Salisbury more than a decade ago and handed the evergreen midfielder various player-coach roles during his successful stint at Tatnam.

The duo played pivotal roles in Wimborne’s FA Vase triumph under Alex Pike in 1992 and Killick reckons his old friend’s insatiable appetite for victory could be the missing ingredient at Cuthbury.

Reacting to Richardson’s application, Killick told the Daily Echo: “I think they should snatch off his hand. He would be exceptional for them.

“I am convinced he would lead that team into mid-table this season, certainly, and beyond that he would drag them back up by the scruff of the neck.

“All the negativity that surrounds the club and perhaps, without speaking out of turn, the suggestion they have easily accepted defeat over the years would change in a heartbeat.

“From my time as a player, coach and manager, he is one of the most impressive people I have met and had the pleasure to work with. His knowledge and determination is second to none.

“Taffy is so lucky. Because of the way he is and the way he plays, he has so many clubs where there is such a love for him. He certainly has that affinity at Wimborne and for me, it would be a dream appointment.

“His will to win and refusal to accept mediocrity is just what that club needs. There are some really lovely people running Wimborne and I am sure they will make the right decision but I do think Taffy applying is an amazing opportunity for them.”

Poole will be out to avenge last season’s play-off defeat to St Neots when they host the big-spending Cambridgeshire outfit tomorrow (3pm).

Killick is without suspended captain Jamie Whisken but Lewis Lindsay should recover in time to feature. Jamie Gleeson is still ruled out with Richard Gillespie edging ever closer to a return.

Dolphins head into the clash with a four-point lead at the Southern League Premier Division summit.

Caretaker boss Paul Roast has captain Scott Arnold and Jon Blake back for Wimborne’s trip to high-flying Banbury in Southern South & West (3pm). Billy Maybury is suspended.

Fifth-placed Banbury are unbeaten in five league matches.