BOSS Tom Killick is hoping Poole Town may not have seen the last of Sam Surridge – even though the Cherries striker is unlikely to feature again during his loan spell.

Surridge has played a key role in Poole’s push for the National South play-offs, netting seven times in 12 league appearances since joining the club at the end of August.

The teenager has missed their past three games after breaking his thumb and, although Killick was hoping he would be back for the festive period, Surridge remains sidelined.

Killick is planning to be without Surridge for Poole’s National South clash with Gosport at Tatnam on Monday – after which the player’s loan spell expires.

“His injury has proved a little more problematic,” Killick told the Daily Echo. “When he first did it, it was very much doom and gloom and probably looked long term. Then, it looked as if it was going to be short term and he would be available for us.

“But it now looks as if he won’t be available for the Gosport game on Monday and his loan expires on that date.

“Understandably, AFC Bournemouth are not going to rush to renew it because they have to see how things progress in terms of other options during the window.

“We would be very keen for him to come back and maybe it could happen later in the window. We will have to wait and see.”

Killick has completed the signing of Jake Smeeton from Dorchester Town, the versatile defender having agreed terms on a contract until the end of the season.

Smeeton, who captained the Magpies, had a loan spell with Poole in 2011 and left the Avenue Stadium as a consequence of the club’s recent budget cuts.

Killick said: “Jake is someone I know well and he ticks all the boxes. He has played National South level and is experienced.

“He also has the mentality that I am really keen on. He is very determined and has a real will to win about him so I think he will be a good signing for us.

“We have been scrabbling around at left-back and have been playing right-footed people there.

“Jake is left-footed and that is his favoured position so he will be a good addition, that’s for sure.”