POOLE Town boss Tom Killick admitted he had no choice but to respect the decision of defender Lewis Tallack to take a year out of football.

Tallack is not due to play a part in Dolphins' forthcoming National South campaign, instead focusing on his career prospects off the pitch.

And while Killick conceded he was disappointed to lose the services of Tallack, he accepted the departure of the ex-Portsmouth youngster.

Killick told the Daily Echo: "Lewis Tallack is taking a year out of football as he has to concentrate on his work and studies.

"He is still contracted to us and we hold his registration so he won't be going anywhere else.

"It's a blow for us and sad for him but we have to respect his decision. At our level, football is secondary to your main career so we have to do without him.

"It is a shame as he is really experienced and dependable and had experience in Conference South with Eastbourne before he came to us.

"I'm disappointed but these things happen. To only lose him from a squad, in terms of the players we wanted to retain, is not too bad an outcome."

Tallack made 46 appearances in all competitions for Poole last season.