NEW recruit Charlie Davis admitted the chance to play in the FA Cup first round proper had been a “huge attraction” in re-signing for Poole Town.
The former Cherries youngster this week sealed a return to Black Gold Stadium from Weymouth and featured in Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat at Gosport Borough.
Midfielder Davis was an unused substitute in both of the Terras’ first qualifying round ties with Banbury United – meaning he is still eligible to play for Poole in the competition.
He is set to be part of the squad to visit Isthmian Premier Haringey Borough on Saturday with £25,000 and a place in the first round proper at stake.
The 23-year-old told the Daily Echo: “I was an unused sub in those two Weymouth games, which has worked out perfectly for me and Poole Town. It was a blessing in disguise.
“To sign for a club when you only have to win one game to get in the FA Cup first round, it was a huge attraction.
“It’s not an opportunity that comes up a lot and it’s something I would like to tick off in my career.
“I have got to the fourth qualifying round twice and been unfortunate with Weymouth and Dorchester. It’s something I want to make happen for Poole and myself.”
Dolphins are bidding to reach the main draw for the first time in 35 years. They were beaten 3-1 in a first round replay against Newport County in 1983.
Hosts Haringey were one step away from the first round last season but have never managed to reach it.
The Tottenham-based side are 15th in their respective division with 11 points coming from their opening nine league fixtures.
Borough beat AFC Sudbury 2-1 at home to set up their clash with Dolphins. Chinedu McKenzie notched a brace.
Davis believes he has matured as a player since his previous spell at Poole under boss Tom Killick.
“I spoke to a few different managers but then Tommy called, showed interest and I have been there before,” he added.
“My position has changed since I was last there. I went there as a youngster and was unproven at that level. I was limited in my opportunities.
“Now I have gone away and proved myself at Dorchester and Weymouth. I think the conversations I had with Tom now are a lot different in terms of the opportunities I will get and the trust he has in me.
“It’s a club who have gone up and want to go up again and it was something I wanted to be a part of – it wasn’t really that hard a decision in the end.
“Knowing the manager, chairman and a lot of the players was probably what swung it that way.
“We have some good calibre players and players who have played professionally at good clubs. It was something I thought I could seamlessly go into.”
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