TOM Killick admitted he acted quickly to pip Poole Town’s rivals to secure the services of Josh Carmichael and Harry Baker.

Dolphins completed the double swoop on Friday as Killick’s squad continues to take shape for the 2019-20 campaign.

Midfielder Carmichael and forward Baker committed themselves to Poole just days after they had been released by Weymouth.

Quizzed on the need to move swiftly to clinch the pair of Southern League South champions for his side, Killick told the Daily Echo: “It is almost a sign of how good players are – the competition for their services. The better the player, the more interest there is. That was certainly the case with both Harry and Josh.

“I know they both had a lot of other alternatives and options, so I am very pleased and grateful they have, hopefully, seen we are trying to really make a big impact this season and they seem to want to help.”

Dolphins have completed three new signings for 2019-20, with left-back Sam Jackson last week arriving from Dorchester, alongside a host of re-signings from the side which reached the Southern League South play-off final.

Killick said he had been pleased the new additions had bought into Dolphins’ ambitions to return to National South, with potentially more lucrative offers available to them elsewhere.

“We haven’t got huge deep pockets where we can just throw money at things and we haven’t got amazing facilities that can impress people, so we have to set out that we feel we have a real spirit within the club and the team,” said Killick.

“We are also hugely ambitious and want to get back into Conference South. You have to hope that can be enough for players and, thankfully, Josh, Harry and Sam have understood that and appreciated what we are trying to achieve.”

Carmichael and Baker both joined the Terras in 2017 and ended their spell at the club with victory in the champion of champions clash against Southern League Central winners Kettering.

Discussing their qualities, Killick said: “Josh is a player I have admired for quite a long time. I remember watching him play for Gosport in the FA Trophy final a few years ago. When I became aware that he was available I was very keen to try and get him on board.

“He has a great range of passing, he has real quality on the ball as well as physically being able to make tackles and break up play. He is a really good all-round midfield player.

“I am hoping Harry is one who, if he can get a good run of games with us, can increase his confidence and his performances will become even more enhanced.

“Weymouth gave him a good opportunity and grounding – we want to try to carry it on.”