SPANISH midfielder Joseba Barandiarna has signed a one-year contract with Dorchester and could make his debut in their first home game in the Nationwide Conference South tomorrow.
The 26-year-old put his signature to a contract after watching the Magpies make a disappointing start to their league programme when they went down 3-1 at Lewes on Saturday.
"We are still waiting for international clearance but hopefully it will come through in time for Joseba to be involved against Weston-super-Mare tomorrow," said Magpies boss Mark Morris today.
"We have done all we can to get it sorted out and there is really no more we can do to hurry it up. The English FA have done all they can and Joseba and his agent are trying to move it along with the Spanish FA."
Morris said Barandiarna, who played in the Spanish Third Division for UPV last season and had been expected to join Weymouth after impressing in several of their pre-season friendlies, would give his squad a better midfield blend.
"He is a typical Continental type player who is comfortable on the ball and that is something we seem to lack in midfield at the moment," he added.
The Magpies have also re-signed left back Simon Radcliffe on a non-contract basis. The former Bridport defender's previous contract expired at the end of last season and it was thought that he might sign for Bath City after playing for them in pre-season.
Morris admitted Saturday's defeat against another side who only made it into the new set-up through the play-offs was "very disappointing".
"There wasn't a great deal between the two sides, but we gifted them a couple of goals and missed six or seven excellent chances," he added.
"No-one really played up to their best and we must improve both our defending, which was poorer than in any of our pre-season games, and hitting the target."
*Goalkeeper Mark Ormerod's month loan to Ryman Premier League Worthing will begin on Wednesday.
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