TOM Killick admitted he would have been “astounded” if goal machine Scott Joyce had returned to Wimborne Town.

Killick yesterday confirmed Joyce had turned down the chance to return to Cuthbury, after the striker had been the subject of an approach from former boss Steve Cuss.

Joyce has plundered nine goals in all competitions since making the switch to Tatnam over the summer and Cuss was keen to bring the Magpies hero back to his old stomping ground.

But Joyce has opted to remain with Dolphins and is named in Killick’s squad for tomorrow’s FA Trophy first qualifying round clash at home to Chippenham Town (3pm).

Killick, who allowed Taffy Richardson to move to Cuthbury in September and has loaned the club striker Tom Jeffes, told the Echo: “I’m slightly mystified as to how the Scott approach came about and slightly disappointed as well, bearing in mind we had gone out of our way to help Wimborne by letting them have Taffy Richardson and Tom Jeffes.

“I would have been astounded if Scott had decided he wanted to go back there but I am pleased it has been cleared up.

“My initial reaction was annoyance and I contemplated recalling Tom Jeffes straight away.

“The more I thought about it, though, I realised Cussy is having a difficult time down there and he is trying to strengthen and improve his side.

“I suppose you do what you have to do.

“I have a good relationship with Cussy and Wimborne but that hasn’t stopped me trying to sign their players in the past.

“And if they had anyone I was keen on, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t try to take them. I can’t be too critical about it because if Joycey was playing as well as he is, but for them, I’d try and sign him for Poole.”

Dolphins will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 6-1 thrashing at Salisbury in the FA Cup, but will face a stern examination against Chippenham, who are ninth in the Southern Premier Division.

Killick added: “People get carried away. We beat Bashley in the FA Cup last year and Kingstonian this year |and I think people thought we would go to Salisbury and do something.

“It was a rude awakening and we have to understand Chippenham will be strong. It will be a big ask, but I am hoping the Salisbury defeat will be a good experience and we realise we have to be more resilient.”

Dolphins will win £2,200 in prize money if they can reach the second qualifying round.

Dolphins: (from) Jones, Costello, S Clarke, Walker, Brooks, Spetch, Gill, L Clarke, Hubbard, Howes, Joyce, Cann, Preston, Smith, Skelton, Price, Hutchings.