DOLPHINS stalwart Tom Killick is pleased with his club’s early summer business – admitting that there is added pressure on Poole after the capture of three big names.

Goalkeeper Luke Cairney and former Cherries midfielder Wes Fogden have dropped down a division to sign on at the BlackGold Stadium for next season, whilst striker Toby Holmes returns to Poole after winning the Southern League Premier South title last season with Taunton Town.

Whilst Killick also confirmed that he was hoping to add another defender to the squad, he remained happy with his squad as it stands.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Killick stated: “Ideally, possibly would have liked one more outfield player, probably sort of a defender.

“But in terms of the three that we have managed to bring in, very pleased and quite pleased to get it done relatively early as well.

“So, on the whole, I think it's very positive and perhaps we've still got scope if we can find the right person to see if we can perhaps bring one more in between now and the start of the season.”

Throughout Killick’s spell in charge of the Dolphins, Poole have been perennial competitors at the top end of the league table.

Despite the silverware of the Dorset County Cup last term, a mid-table finished left players and fans alike frustrated at a perceived poor season by Poole’s standards.

With the added quality of Fogden, Cairney and Holmes, Killick conceded that there perhaps was more pressure on his side to battle for promotion – before pointing out that other sides in the division had also completed some impressive signings.

However, the former non-league player of the year insisted that there could be no excuses ahead of the start of Poole’s pre-season.

“I don't think we should shy away from that,” restarted Killick.

“I think that's fair. I mean, the only thing you would say, we’ve tried to improve, we have improved.

“We’ve brought in three very good players. But so has everyone else, Weston-super-Mare, as an example, they finished in the playoffs.

“None of the teams that finished above us last year will think that they have stood still, in terms of their recruitment and the quality of their squads.

“Most of the teams that finished above us last year think they have improved their squad.

“It is never easy, because perhaps the bar gets raised, but let's just not try and give ourselves a get out of jail free card.

“Let's be honest and say we need to do well. We expect to do well. I don't think we should shy away from staying out what our objectives are.

“And if that creates a little bit of pressure, then in a way, that's life. And if you’re going to be successful, you do have to cope with pressure.”