POOLE Town chairman Chris Reeves believes the acquisition of Eastleigh striker James Constable has “raised some eyebrows” among clubs in National League South.

The experienced frontman was snapped up by boss Tom Killick on a one-month loan deal from Andy Hessenthaler's National League charges at the end of February, writes Dan Rose.

A scorer of more than 50 Football League goals, Constable made his Poole debut in the 1-0 defeat at Braintree last month before playing his part in their stunning 1-0 win against then-leaders Dartford on Saturday.

Malmesbury-born Constable, capped three times at England C level, progressed through the ranks at Cirencester before catching the eye during a fruitful spell in the Southern League with Chippenham Town.

He attracted interest from a host of Football League clubs before eventually signing on loan for League One outfit Walsall in November 2005, the deal becoming permanent for a fee of £4,000.

Constable netted a hatful of goals for Oxford United, including one in their Conference play-off final victory over York City in 2010.

Poole chief Reeves told the (Bournemouth) Daily Echo: “James is exactly the sort of striker that Tom and I often talk about the team needing – a striker that frightens the opposition.

“He has a proven track record of scoring goals regularly wherever he has been and the reaction we have had from various supporters of James’s previous clubs demonstrates just how highly he is regarded.

“His signing has given everyone at the club a real boost and has undoubtedly raised some eyebrows among our competitors.”

Constable’s arrival came as a timely boost for Dolphins as they seek to stave off the threat of relegation and secure a third campaign in the division.

Reeves was thankful to director Steve Griffiths, who agreed to provide sponsorship towards the cost of recruiting the former Oxford United, Walsall and Shrewsbury Town frontman.

Local businessman Griffiths is the owner of Portman Stone.

“The sponsorship from Portman Stone and Steve Griffiths gave us the opportunity of securing James’s services and I cannot thank Steve and his company enough,” added the Dolphins chairman.

“It is a fact of life that clubs at our level cannot be successful without the support of the local business community and Portman Stone have proved a terrific ally of the club over the past few years.

"They have come up with a meaningful contribution to the cost of now being able to include James in our battle to ensure that we stay in National South.

“It is a sure sign as to how determined we are to keep our National South status and a clear sign as to just how much Portman Stone are behind us in that aim.”

Constable is in line to make his third appearance for Poole when they host 10th-placed Bath City at the Black Gold Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Meanwhile, Wimborne's Evo-Stik South West encounter at Shortwood on Tuesday was postponed.

The fourth-placed Magpies visit Kidlington on Saturday (3pm).