HE IS the Peter Pan of Poole Town.

At 45, Steve ‘Taffy’ Richardson is showing no signs of letting up.

Having featured only sporadically for the Dolphins during the early part of the season, Richardson could have been forgiven for reaching for his pipe and slippers.

But throwing in the towel and giving up the ghost are simply not in his make up.

Surrounded by players half his age, Richardson was confined to bench duty after starting Poole’s first five games in the Southern League.

However, since earning a recall and playing his part in a 6-0 win over Taunton, the tenacious midfielder has kept his place for Dolphins’ past four games.

Newcastle-born Richardson, who works as a firefighter, has been one of manager Tom Killick’s generals since rejoining the club in 2004.

Richardson told the Daily Echo: “You set yourself high standards and I had a tough time for a couple of years. People continued to write me off and, if the team didn’t play well, I seemed to take the brunt of it. I still expect myself to be better than other players but I don’t think the supporters expect it any more. I have gone from being old to being very old!

“I don’t get the grief I used to and think people have started to accept me. It doesn’t change the way I feel but it makes it a bit more enjoyable. People expected me to retire ages ago but have accepted that I am still playing.”

Although Richardson feels he can still cut it in the Southern League, he also acknowledges managers will not be queuing up to sign him.

Richardson, who lists Dorchester, Weymouth, Basingstoke and Salisbury among his former clubs, added: “I will be 46 in December and know my options could be limited. I know I can still play at this level and at the level above, but it is not my opinion that counts.

“If Poole didn’t want me, I don’t think any other teams would. People would probably ask questions of a Southern League manager if he were to try to sign a 46-year-old.

“I still think I can do a job against the likes of Weymouth, Dorchester and Bashley. The higher you play, the easier it gets. If ever I help out someone on a Sunday morning, I find it tough.

“But in the Southern League, more football is played and that suits me. I like tackling and closing down and this level is ideal for my game.

“I still train as hard as anyone else and am fit and work hard. I have had to fight to win back my place and Tom has stuck to his word. But I know I have got to play to my best to stay in the team.”