POOLE Town manager Tom Killick welcomed the addition of new signing Jake Smeeton and believes the versatile defender “ticks all the boxes”.

Smeeton, who spent a loan spell with Poole in 2011, ended a nine-and-a-half year stay at Dorchester when he agreed terms on a contract until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old captained the Magpies and was given a guard of honour by his team-mates following his final game for the club against Weymouth on Boxing Day.

Smeeton, who played at step two of the non-league pyramid with Dorchester, left the Avenue as part of the club’s recent budget cuts.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “Jake is someone I know well and he ticks all the boxes. He has played National South level and is experienced.

“He also has the mentality that I am really keen on. He is very determined and has a real will to win about him so I think he will be a good signing for us.

“We have been scrabbling around at left-back and have been playing right footed people there.

“Jake is left footed and that is his favoured position so he will be a good addition, that’s for sure.”

Dorchester’s financial predicament also saw former manager Mark Jermyn and assistant Nick Crittenden sever ties with the club.

Killick, who played for the Magpies, said: “They are a club I have affection for and are having a difficult time at the moment.

“It is not nice to see and you can only hope better things are around the corner for them.

“But I have to do what is best for Poole Town and I had the opportunity to sign Jake so it was something I had to do.”