TOM Killick is planning a bit of Christmas shopping to ensure his Poole Town team remain top of the tree.

Dolphins have not looked back since making a flying start to the season and they lead the way in the Wessex Premier Division following a string of impressive results which have seen them go unbeaten in their opening 18 matches.

But some people are never completely happy – and boss Killick is one of them.

He is keen to bolster his resources, having recently lost Jack Swann to Poppies, Michael White to Hamworthy United and Dan Taylor.

“Our squad has been a little bit thin over the past few weeks but Carl Poore is coming back from a long-ish injury and Sean Hogan is back from university for Christmas,” said Killick, who could dip into the transfer market to fill the gaps in his squad.

“I know I sound like a scratched record but this is the time of the season when injuries and suspensions kick in.

“We don’t want to find ourselves in a position where we put out a weakened side, because it can cost you.

“With the way Vospers have maintained their pursuit of us, we haven’t got much margin for error.

“I don’t want to be in a position where we drop points because we’ve lost players and haven’t got the strength in depth to cover.”

Veteran forward Leigh Phillips is having a break from football to spend more time with his family, although Killick revealed that the former Poppies frontman would be available if needed.

  • ONE forward who is very much available for Poole is Charlie Austin.

The hotshot striker has been something of a revelation since joining the club during the summer and he is one of the driving forces behind Dolphins’ impressive start to the season.

Killick believes he can play at a higher level and many people have enjoyed his performances so far this season.

To learn more about the Wessex player on everybody’s lips – and what his manager thinks of him – see Saturday’s Echo for an in-depth feature.