'A lot of managers would have cut their losses but Tommy appreciated what I could do on the pitch'

Gillespie, 34, hung up his boots after a lack of game time and niggling injuries - having left Poole earlier in the campaign to join Dorchester Town.

While the frontman was struggling with persistent knocks, he spoke highly of Killick, who affirmed his belief in the forward affectionately known as ‘Mr Goals’ in the non-league fraternity.

He told the Dorset Echo: “Tommy was quite open with me at Poole, saying the injuries were a big factor. It started to be one of the factors of why I wasn’t getting in (the team).

“He’d not know whether I’d finish 90 minutes or if I played one game, whether or not I’d recover to play on a Tuesday night.

“In November, December and January it’s two games a week for the whole duration. From a sensible point of view I could understand where he was coming from.

“Tommy was brilliant in the sense he’d be very patient with me. A lot of managers would have cut their losses but Tommy appreciated what I could do on the pitch, even if it was coming off the bench.”

Gillespie is aiding Dolphins’ coaching staff at present while manager Killick serves a six-game stadium ban.

Meanwhile, Poole have re-signed keeper Tom Rees on dual-registration from Hamworthy United.