GOAL-GETTER Toby Holmes has made a return to Poole Town after six seasons away from the Dolphins.

Prolific marksman Holmes has become a go-to target for clubs chasing promotion in the Southern League Premier South, with the 29-year-old arriving at the Black Gold Stadium from last season’s champions Taunton Town.

Spotted smashing in goals for then Dorset Premier League side Parley Sports, Holmes had his first taste of Southern League action with Poole during the 2015-16 campaign.

Unable to break into a side containing fellow goal-machine Richard Gillespie, Holmes departed for Dorchester Town.

Holmes’ most prolific spell came with Poole’s Cross-Stour neighbours Wimborne, with the forward notching 132 goals in 143 games for the Magpies.

With clubs noticing his goal-scoring prowess, Salisbury swooped in, prior to Taunton picking the striker up in the summer of 2020.

In 59 appearances for the Somerset outfit Holmes recorded 34 goals, forming a solid strike partnership with Gethyn Hill for the Peacocks.

That bodes well for Dolphins, who already have a strong source of goals with Tony Lee in the side.

Despite interest from professional clubs in the 25-year-old, Poole plan to have both strikers ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Lee had previously replaced Holmes as Wimborne’s main source of goals, but despite the pair both being involved with Poole at different stages of the 2015-16 season, they have never played together before.

The capture of Holmes represents somewhat of a coup for Poole, with numerous clubs in the local area keen to bring in the striker.

Speaking after securing the signature of Holmes, Poole director Andy Rossiter told the Daily Echo: "Tom (Killick) has worked his magic by signing Toby.

"Now, with Tony Lee and Toby, we possibly have the best two strikers in the league.

"I hope this sends a message we are serious about pushing at the right end of the table this season.

"There will be more signings to follow."

Alongside Lee and Holmes, Poole have four other players contracted ahead of the new campaign.

Defender Declan Rose, midfielders Corby Moore and Sean Wright, and young striker Will Fletcher have guaranteed deals for next season.