FORMER Poole Town skipper Michael Walker hailed boss Tom Killick’s achievements ahead of his 500th game in charge – but hoped his new club could spoil the party.

Killick could not have asked for a bigger battle on his remarkable landmark as he leads his Dolphins into a Dorset derby with fierce foes Weymouth.

The rivals were embroiled in several transfer skirmishes over the summer – including the one that saw Walker join the Terras – and boast the only two 100 per cent records after three Southern League Premier Division matches ahead of tomorrow’s clash (1.30pm).

And although the injured Walker will play no part on his return to Tatnam, the towering defender is looking forward to “a special occasion” for personal friend Killick.

The Weymouth defender told the Daily Echo: “Tommy Killick is a good manager and even now he is still the gaffer in my eyes. I’ve always had a close relationship with him.

“He has a good way of managing players and knows when to switch from being your friend to being in charge and getting the best out of you.

“Tommy is just a really decent bloke. He has had his ups and downs (at Poole) but he knows as much about the club as anyone, has built great relationships with the good people running the club and has a good team.

“What he has done for the club is nothing short of phenomenal and every team he has assembled has been strong.”

On the match, Walker added: “It will be exciting for Weymouth and Poole to go head-to-head, especially for the supporters.

“It should be a good battle and if we could come away with something then no doubt we would have earned it.”

Meanwhile, Killick confirmed his missing trio from yesterday’s 2-1 win at Cambridge City – Warren Cummings, Marvin Brooks and Lamin Dibba – were all “doubtful” for tomorrow.

Will Spetch and Richard Gillespie scored early to secure victory at the Glassworld Stadium but the Poole chief conceded Dolphins had ridden their luck.

“We were probably second best after the two goals,” said Killick. “Our goal led a charmed life but the players put a massive effort in and, when you are prepared to do that, sometimes things go your way.”

On his landmark, the manager, who has led Poole to 346 victories in his 499 matches in charge, added: “I love being around the people at Poole and it has been a very enjoyable part of my life for nine years. I feel very proud of what we have achieved together.”

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Clarke, Oliver, Spetch, Whisken, Pettefer, Davies, Devlin, Gillespie, Preston, Cann, Byerley, Elliott, Rowe, Ohameje, Davis, Thomas.