POOLE Town boss Tom Killick has admitted defeat in the race to re-sign skipper Michael Walker who seems destined for Dorset rivals Weymouth.

The Dolphins manager conceded he could not match the Terras’ offer for the out-of-contract man-mountain but said he had no qualms over the towering defender’s decision to leave.

The news came after Poole had completed the capture of defender Jamie Whisken from AFC Totton on a one-year contract, a player Killick said was not signed as a direct replacement for the outgoing captain.

The Tatnam chief told the Daily Echo: “Michael has told me he is joining Weymouth. I have not been told officially but that is my understanding and, if he does end up going, we owe him an awful lot.

“I have no criticism of Walks for what is not a footballing decision. It comes down to him making sure his young family are financially supported and I have no issues with that.

“He was the figurehead of our football club for a long time and was hugely instrumental in the success we have enjoyed.”

Meanwhile, on Whisken’s arrival, Killick added: “Jamie was always a target no matter what was happening with our existing squad. He lives and works in Bournemouth, is experienced at the level we are going into and is proven at the very top of that league.”

Defender Sam Clarke and utility man Luke Burbidge have also signed 12-month deals, joining Carl Preston, Steve Devlin, Warren Byerley, Michael Charles, Dan Cann, Nick Hutchings and Whisken as contracted players at Tatnam.