POOLE Town boss Tom Killick is celebrating after making a crucial signing.

Killick has retained the services of his first-team coach Steve Cuss by persuading him to remain at Tatnam.

Cuss, whose day job is as head of community with AFC Bournemouth, is well respected on the Wessex League circuit.

Killick revealed that his colleague is keen to move into management, but he has kept Cuss at Tatnam – for now.

However, Cuss could opt to walk away if he secures an opportunity to take charge of another club.

“He has agreed to stay on, on the understanding that if anything comes up on the managerial front, he’ll be looking to do it,” said Killick.

“That is a relief to me. He is very important.

“The players really like him and they like coming to training. He is good tactically and is just very good all round.

“I’m sure when the time comes he’ll go on and do well as a manager. But at the moment I’m just pleased to keep him.”

Cuss has been one of the key men behind Dolphins’ recent dominance under Killick, with the club claiming back-to-back Wessex Premier championships.

Meanwhile, prolific striker Steve Smith, who hit 24 goals in just 20 starts last season, has committed himself to the Dorset club by re-signing at Tatnam.