THREE key players have left Poole Town as the player exodus following Tom Killick’s sacking begins.

The long-serving boss was controversially dismissed on Sunday after more than 19 years at the club, with Dolphins sitting seventh in Southern Premier South.

Bashley head coach Matt Tubbs was swiftly appointed in his place, but his side is likely to look quite different from the one Killick left behind.

Three players who started Saturday’s FA Cup win over Barnstaple Town have all already moved on.

They include experienced centre-back Will Spetch, who was rapidly approaching 500 games with Poole.

Following Killick’s sacking, Spetch took to social media site X to express his dissatisfaction, posting: “Absolutely outrageous and brain dead decision! Deserves a lot more respect!”

A statement from Dolphins read: “Will Spetch has decided that the time has come to seek a new challenge.

“Will has been an inspirational performer in our colours and leaves as a true Poole Town legend.”

 

Meanwhile, two more of Killick’s trusted performers in Corby Moore and Jack Dickson have also moved on.

The club say they agreed to let them go “out of respect for their service to us over so many years”.

Speculation remains over goalkeeper Luke Cairney, who also took to X to say Killick deserved “more respect” after his sacking was confirmed.

Dolphins have since released a board statement, insisting: “Some good players have left us and we respect their reasons.

“We have serious quality remaining and there will be new signings to further improve the squad.”

Tubbs’s first game in charge is set to come away at Hayes & Yeading United on Saturday (3pm).