TAFFY Richardson admitted he could not resist the lure of a Poole Town homecoming after feeling like an exiled fan since leaving Tatnam.

As exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo via Twitter earlier today, 46-year-old Richardson has joined forces with Dolphins boss Tom Killick once more and could feature in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Hamworthy United (3pm).

The veteran midfielder, who had a brief stint at Bashley before citing work commitments for his swift departure, will predominantly help with the club’s coaching but is available to play “as and when required”.

Richardson’s summer exit from Poole had come in acrimonious circumstances as the legend of more than 1,000 non-league appearances claimed he was underused and undervalued towards the end of his nine-year love affair with Dolphins.

But after his short spell away, Dorset’s answer to Stanley Matthews was keen to put the past behind him.

Richardson told the Daily Echo: “Sometimes, you have to hold up your hands and admit you have made a mistake.

“A lot of it was borne out of anger and frustration but I still found myself looking for Poole’s result ahead of my hometown club Hartlepool. I felt like a supporter while I was away.

“The club has come a long way and I was a part of that. I missed it and when I went back, I had such a great response that it felt like I was home again.”

And while Poole’s evergreen ace played down the prospects of featuring regularly, Richardson said he had “got his buzz back” during recent training sessions with the Dolphins.

“I don’t envisage playing that often,” added Richardson. “But I am happy to play my part as a squad player and help with the coaching side. I will do whatever the club wants.

“The main reason Tom (Killick) asked me to go back is because we have worked together for so long and I know what he wants from his players.

“Tom and Woodsy (assistant manager James Wood) always put on proper, high-tempo sessions and it is really enjoyable to be around that mentality.

“There is some real quality at Poole and if I can help those players, I will be delighted.”

Killick, who always maintained he never wanted Richardson to leave and reiterated his desire to re-sign the Tatnam favourite in an interview with the Echo three weeks ago, made no secret of his joy over the move.

“I never wanted him to leave in the first place,” said Killick. “Things didn’t work out for him at Bashley and he has trained with us a few times.

“He has a lot of other things going on but it is a move that suits both parties. I am over the moon to have him back on board.”

Meanwhile, Killick confirmed Poole were “unlikely” to appeal the red card picked up by Ian Oliver against Burnham.