The Dolphins star striker last week discovered that he would require major knee surgery after a scan confirmed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Cann, who scored sixteen goals for Poole last season, sustained the injury in his club’s play-off semi- final victory and it was initially hoped he would only be sidelined for the short-term.

But Killick admits the extent of the injury has delivered a major blow to his team’s Southern League promotion prospects as Cann faces almost a whole campaign out of action. Cann’s absence leaves Poole short of options up front as Scott Joyce is expected to join Sydenhams Football League (Wessex) neighbours Bournemouth Poppies, while squad men Steve Smith and Tom Jeffes have already moved to Wimborne Town.

Killick told the Bournemouth Echo: “Dan got the injury in the play-off semi-final and it had a significant consequence for us as it was, with him missing the final. I felt that was quite a significant element in us losing to Gosport Borough in the final.

“We felt confident he would be all right for the start of the season but it turned out to be much more serious than we had anticipated.

“Now it looks almost inevitable that he will miss the whole of next season.”

Killick feels Dolphins can cover the losses of their departed front men but believes losing Cann, who often plays the lone striking role ahead of a five-man midfield, causes a major problem.

He said: “Dan Cann is the focal point of our attack and he is very key to how we play and the success we have had.

“To find someone that can fulfill that role in the way he does will be nearly impossible and it might mean we have to change the way we play.”

Karim Benssaouda is the only recognised first-team forward remaining from last season.

Tom Price is also back at Tatnam, while Killick used Saturday’s 4-0 friendly victory over Swanage Town & Herston to run the rule over potential recruits Ashley Jarvis, Luke Burbidge and Lee Chudy on a trial basis.

Jarvis was a prolific scorer for GE Hamble in the Wessex League last term, Burbidge has starred for Hamworthy United in recent seasons and Chudy is a former Wimborne and Hamworthy United striker.

Killick also remains keen to secure the services of Havant & Waterlooville prospect Alex Baldacchino, who spent the end of last season at Tatnam following a successful stint with New Milton Town.

He added: “I am confident we will have another couple of strikers on board before the start of the season.”