TOM Killick admits he must have one eye on Poole Town's future while trying to improve a poor run of results.

The Dolphins boss confessed the mix of experience and potential in his squad could be unbalanced.

Veteran striker Richard Gillespie this week left Poole for Dorchester Town fewer than five weeks after stalwart Carl Pettefer joined Wimborne Town.

Ahead of Saturday's clash with Walton Casuals at Black Gold Stadium (3pm), Dolphins sit 11th in Southern League South and 10 points outside the play-offs with one win in eight matches.

Killick told the Daily Echo: "You have to deal with the here and now.

"You are under pressure to get results and be as strong as you can be. But you also have to look further forward and try to assemble a squad which can progress. "You can have a lot of older and experienced players to deal with the current period, which can cause difficulties with developing the team.

"Then you can go too far the other way when you have too many young players with potential who might not quite be ready, which affects results.

"We probably have not got the balance right. Previously, we were not looking far enough ahead which left us with several people getting towards the end of their careers at the same time.

"Getting results now is vital but whatever happens, we need to be capable of improvements.

"Things have to get better and, hopefully, the players I bring in will strengthen the squad and offer progress.

"Corby Moore is an example of someone who has developed into an exceptional player and will continue to improve.

"I want people who can be beneficial now with potential to offer more."

Gillespie joined Poole from AFC Totton in 2013 but injuries played a big part in his time at the club.

The former Bashley marksman netted five goals in 17 matches for Dolphins in their Southern League title-winning campaign.

This season, the 34-year-old had been restricted to nine starts and nine substitute appearances.

"We are trying to reinvigorate the squad," said Killick. "We have not given up on this season by any means but we have to look to the future.

"Carl Pettefer and Richard Gillespie were two of the older players in the team.

"I find it very sad when it comes to players you have been with for a long time. It is quite difficult to bring it to an end.

"It affects the group who are still here because they have such a big connection with the other players.

"People think these are easy decisions. Perhaps it is straightforward in the professional game but at our level when your squad has been together for as long as ours, there is a social and emotional element.

"Losing players has an impact."