6:20pm Sunday 6th July 2008
By Ian Wadley
TOM Killick admitted signing Leigh Phillips was "too good an opportunity to resist" after the Poole Town boss made his second raid on Bournemouth Poppies.
Following James Wood's resignation at Victoria Park, Killick moved swiftly to secure the services of highly-rated centre-half Lamin Dibba.
And the Dolphins chief was busy again on Friday as he captured Phillips, who was Poppies' player-assistant boss last term.
Speaking after sealing the deal, a delighted Killick said: "He hasn't got a formal coaching role but he's the sort of person who will have an input in off-field matters.
"I've got a lot of respect for him and he'll have a big role to play both on and off the pitch.
"He's someone I know inside out and I consider him a friend.
"But he's just a very charismatic figure and he's had a big influence on all the clubs he's played at."
Vastly experienced forward Phillips enjoyed a fruitful stint with Poole in 2005/06, scoring 26 goals in 38 appearances.
Killick first got to know the striker when he was playing at Wimborne Town.
Meanwhile, winger Trefor Smith has opted to remain at Tatnam.
Killick said: "The extent of his availability is still dependent on whether he gets this placement in London.
"He had interest from other clubs so it's refreshing for someone to show some loyalty to the club."
Pete Moore, meanwhile, a former Poole, Bashley and Poppies manager, has joined the Tatnam club's board of directors.
"He's been invaluable in helping Tom identify players and make signings," said Dolphins vice chairman Chris Reeves.
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