POOLE Town chiefs were last night considering whether to report Dorset rivals Weymouth to the Football Association after the Luke Burbidge transfer saga had taken a controversial twist.

The 21-year-old, who signed non-contract terms with Poole three weeks ago, made yet another U-turn this week when he appeared in a training match for the Terras on Tuesday.

Weymouth boss Brendon King insists that Burbidge, who publicly stated his desire to move to the Wessex Stadium before agreeing to stay at Poole, contacted him following a change of heart.

But FA rules relating to non-contract footballers state any club looking to sign a player registered elsewhere must issue seven days’ notice of approach, even if the player instigates the move.

As reported by our sister paper the Dorset Echo, assistant manager Matt Groves revealed Weymouth had filed an approach for Burbidge, understood to have been lodged on Monday, before allowing the sought-after winger to train with their squad, angering officials at Poole.

Vice-chairman Chris Reeves said he was “absolutely amazed” at the Terras’ conduct and that the Dolphins board would discuss what action to take over the weekend.

Meanwhile, dismayed Poole manager Tom Killick said he had not been able to contact Burbidge for his final decision, but admitted Weymouth were now favourites to secure his services.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “It has come as a disappointment to me because he had committed his future to us.

“Although he decided to go non-contract, he made it clear to me that he would be with us for the season and wouldn’t jump ship at the earliest opportunity.

“Naturally, I was disappointed when he told me he was considering his position and that he had spoken to Weymouth again and while I haven’t had any contact from Luke to say he is leaving, the reports seem to suggest he will.

“I have given up being disappointed in how some players conduct themselves. Some do things the right way and some don’t and you just have to acknowledge that it will always be the case.”

On Weymouth’s part in proceedings, Killick added: “Irrespective of when Weymouth submitted their approach, he (Burbidge) played in a practice match on Tuesday and that is an obvious breach of the rules.

“Not too many managers with their hand on their heart can say they are completely scrupulous when it comes to approaching players, but there are limits and I am very surprised this has been dealt with in the way it has.”

Weymouth manager King politely declined to comment on Burbidge’s participation in the training match, but said: “Luke phoned me and said he had made a mistake. As far as I am con cerned, he will be signing for us but he won’t be involved until the seven days have passed.”

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Burbidge said he had yet to make a final decision on his future.

Meanwhile, Killick confirmed Poole had signed 23-year-old winger Ekow Elliott from Wessex League champions Blackfield & Langley.