WIMBORNE Town are ready to broaden their search for a centre-half with the pursuit of ex-Bournemouth Poppies linchpin Wayne Crutcher unlikely to bear fruit.

Chairman Ken Stewart last week revealed Magpies were on the trail of two signings to boost their flailing campaign with an experienced defender thought to be top of boss Steve Cuss’s shopping list.

The club’s need to boost their backline was heightened when Adam Costello picked up a concerning knee injury at Larkhall on Saturday. The former Christchurch man had a scan this week and is expected to receive his results tomorrow.

Crutcher featured prominently the Poppies side that reached the quarter-final of the FA Vase and equalled the club’s best FA Cup run in 2011-12. He also regularly represented Wimborne in the Wessex League a decade ago.

But the Daily Echo understands Cuss will now look elsewhere with Crutcher considering whether he can balance work commitments and the travelling demands involved with Southern League football. 

Wimborne have yet to announce any new recruits but Poole Town manager Tom Killick confirmed winger Luke Holmes is set to return to Cuthbury.

Cuss this afternoon politely declined to comment on any transfer speculation.