PHIL Simkin has backed Kieffer Moore to go a “very long way” in football and the Magpies’ boss is now hoping funds from the striker’s transfer to Yeovil can be used to boost his own squad.

The Dorchester Town manager has admitted the club was never in a position to hold on to Moore this summer given the financial situation at the Avenue.

And now that Moore, 20, has decided to join the Championship outfit for an undisclosed fee, subject to passing a medical and agreeing personal terms, Simkin is keen to find a replacement.

Ben Watson is the only recognised centre-forward in the Magpies’ squad with youngster Josh Tennant able to provide cover from the reserves.

Simkin is waiting to hear what plans the Magpies’ board have for the funds from the Moore deal, details of which, according to the county town club, will remain confidential.

“I’m looking for a replacement for Kieffer and I hope that the funds will be made available to me,” said Simkin.

“I’ve yet to be told one way or the other what will be happening.

“We need a replacement because we’ve got one forward plus Josh Tennant which is not enough.

“Front players cost money so I’m quite hopeful the trust will be able to help.

“I’d like to think some money will be coming my way but I don’t know yet – it’s just a case of wait and see.”

As for Moore, Simkin is pleased that the former Truro man has been given a chance to show what he can do in the Football League.

The Dorchester boss knew Moore had something special when he played against the Magpies at the Avenue on New Year’s Day.

“I could see it after half-an-hour and I was proved right,” he added. “I’m delighted for the lad and I think he will go a very long way.

“He is so focused, almost blinkered, in pursuit of his career and he can become a very big player.

“With full-time training and coaching he will be a real powerhouse and I believe a better player than Charlie Austin, who I saw come through when I was at Hamworthy.

“I fully expected Kieffer to move on and we were never going to be in a position to keep him.

“He is a natural goal scorer and I think he can go straight into the Yeovil team.”

Meanwhile, talks over new deals for Nick Crittenden and Jake Smeeton are still on-going.