PREMIER League star Charlie Austin has called on the FA to provide further assistance to non-league clubs in the wake of Poole Town’s plight.

Austin, who made his name with the Dolphins, said it would be “an absolute tragedy” if they were demoted due to issues surrounding their Tatnam home.

Poole are facing the prospect of being relegated from National South unless they can find £70,000 before the end of March to get the ground up to scratch.

Southampton striker Austin hit 64 goals in 57 games for Poole and helped them win the Wessex League in 2009 and 2010 – when they were denied promotion on both occasions due to ground-grading.

His exploits earned him a move to the Football League with Swindon before he joined Burnley – who were then managed by Eddie Howe – in a £1.2million transfer in 2012.

Austin’s sale and knock-ons enabled Poole to carry out refurbishments which allowed them to remain in the Southern League three years ago.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the Daily Echo broke the story, Austin, who has remained close friends with Poole boss Tom Killick, said: “As soon as I heard the news, I rang Tom and said I hoped everything worked out for them.

“It is a big time for Poole and him because if he wants to continue to manage at this level, which I know he does, then they need to make this work.

“Not only have Poole had to fight against every team they play but they have had to fight against everything else as well.

“They had to win the Wessex League three times before they went up so are three years behind where potentially they could be.

“I was delighted they were given the thumbs-up (by planning chiefs). I know it’s a race against time and I just hope they can get the funding they need.

“You see so many non-league clubs going bust and out of business so why are we stopping them going forward?

“I think funding towards grassroots football should come from the FA. There should be big money coming from them to help clubs like Poole Town.

“Don’t get me wrong, I know there are lots of clubs out there who will say they are in worse positions but when clubs are achieving or over-achieving like Poole, they should never be held back and should be given help to take them to the next level.”

Austin, whose parents and grandfather live in Westbourne, has offered Poole use of his executive box at St Mary’s for their fund-raising and has been a tremendous ambassador for the club.

He added: “I know a lot of people have made comments about me funding the whole thing, which is bizarre and ridiculous.

“I have shown my support for the club for seven-and-a-half years. If ever they have asked for anything, whether it is as little as a signed shirt, I have always helped.

“Whatever they made from my sale gave them a big foundation to build and move on. They gave me a family-cultured club and the chance to perform. It was a great opportunity which I took with both hands.

“We have benefited one another and neither of us has ever turned their back on the other. I have a great relationship with everybody at the club and hope they can come through this.”

  • Fourth-placed Poole today host second-placed Ebbsfleet at Tatnam in the National South match of the day (3pm kick-off).