POOLE Town’s Wessex League title dream has been given a resounding vote of confidence – by former favourite Charlie Austin.

The hotshot striker, who hit 64 goals in 57 competitive appearances for the Tatnam club, joined Swindon Town last month in a deal believed to be potentially worth more than £50,000.

Since Austin left, Dolphins have failed to match their invincible form of last season. They were beaten soundly by rivals Wimborne Town, before slipping to a shock home defeat against Blackfield and Langley on Saturday.

Despite his old side looking more vulnerable without him, though, Austin believes they boast enough quality to secure more silverware this term.

When asked if Dolphins were capable of retaining their Premier Division championship, he told the Echo: “I’d like to think so because then it won’t make everyone think Poole relied on me and were a one-man team.

“I’m good friends with them as well, so I would like to see them go on and win the league.

“They’ve got a great bunch of lads there.

“The results are just not going their way but I’m pretty sure they’ll gel back together.

“They are a great bunch and I don’t see why they can’t win the league and other trophies.”

Boss Tom Killick has made no secret of the fact he likes to carry four strikers in his squad, but Austin thinks Dolphins’ attacking trio of Stuart Brown, Steve Smith and Russell Cook are up to the task.

“Stuart Brown was a great help to me and he created half my goals playing up front with me, so he’s good enough to score 20 or 25 goals,” said the ex-Hungerford Town star.

“Smithy comes on and plays his part, and they’ve got Russell Cook.”

Austin has wasted no time in making an impression with his new club, scoring four goals in three reserve outings.

That form earned him a league debut on Saturday at Norwich City, where he came off the bench in the 72nd minute to play in front of almost 25,000 fans.

“It’s been going really well,” added Austin.

“I will just have to be patient. Hopefully if the chance comes I’ll grab it with both hands.”

Cherries had hoped to secure Austin’s services after he spent the summer training with the Dean Court club, but their |ongoing transfer embargo prevented Eddie Howe from sealing a deal.