Burbidge Makes Permanent Poole Departure

Burbidge signed for the Dolphins from Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) Premier neighbours Hamworthy United in the summer of 2012.

Previously with AFC Bournemouth where he featured as a regular in the youth team, and he became a dependable squad member in the promotion campaign.

He left for pastures new at Weymouth, but he saw the light and returned home.

His main position is on right wing position where his pace comes in to effect, but Killick often used him in the right-back position when defensive options were limited. He excelled there in his defensive role when he played at right back in the Dorset Senior Cup final win against Wimborne Town.

He leaves having made over 220 Poole appearances and 46 goals.

Killick said: “It is with regret that I have to announce the permanent departure of Luke Burbidge to Wimborne.

“Luke approached me a few weeks ago to say he was not enjoying his football and wanted to go to Wimborne initially on a short-term basis. He is enjoying his time there and we recently agreed to extend the initial one-month period for a further month. That extra month is due to end soon and we were approached by Luke and Wimborne to extend it again. I felt as a manager that I couldn’t allow the situation to remain uncertain for any longer. We need clarity in terms of whether Luke is our player or not as with a small squad we have to plan ahead and utilise our resources in the best possible way. Not knowing if Luke was to return or not was making that difficult.

“By our standards Luke is a well-paid player and as I have said we need to utilise every penny we have to try and improve our league position.

“It`s fair to say that Luke’s initial decision to want to leave when we are enduring such a difficult time was difficult for me on a personal level to accept. However, Luke has to make decisions that he feels are in his own best interests and I understand that. He has been an exceptional player for me and I have great affection for him. He has been central to the success we have had over recent seasons and many of his performances have been memorable and have included countless goals and assists.

“I would like to personally thank Luke for all his efforts for the club and everything he has helped us achieve. He and his family will always be welcome at Poole and I wish him the best of luck in his future career and in his life generally”.