FORMER Weymouth boss Andy Mason has been revealed as Ian Hutchinson's assistant at Bridport.

Mason was in charge at the Wessex Stadium from 1999 to 2002 and helped Bridport's south coast neighbours to fifth place in the Dr Marten's Premier Division in 2001.

And Hutchinson, who will rekindle the partnership with his former team-mate, is convinced Mason's undoubted expertise and shrewdness can benefit the Bees' management hierarchy and players.

Hutchinson said: "I've known Andy for years and he's a great friend and someone I can trust.

"He's got a wealth of experience from his time as manager at Weymouth and we're both delighted to be working together again."

Hutchinson's short tenure at St Mary's Field is beginning to take shape following Mason's appointment and the Bridport supremo has also secured four friendly fixtures, scheduled to begin next month.

These include trips to Portland United on July 15, Chickerell on July 19, Dorchester on July 26 and Weymouth on August 4 where Bridport will face a select XI.

Hutchinson added: "It's important that we have these fixtures so I can assess the players and their fitness.

"We start training on July 1 and the matches will tell me a lot about the players.

"I'm looking forward to going back to the Wessex Stadium to play Weymouth again, and hopefully they'll return the favour later in the year and visit St Mary's Field once the construction work is complete.

"I've also spoken to Torquay boss Paul Buckle and made it known that if there's any chance of playing a friendly we'd definitely be interested."

While Hutchinson is keen for the youngsters he has inherited to remain the club's nucleus, he hopes to add a few experienced names to complement his squad before the start of the season, which begins in earnest in just two months' time.

Although he wouldn't divulge specific names, Hutchinson did stress that he has been inundated with calls from high-calibre players who have plied their trades at a competitive level.

He said: "Ideally, I want to have a squad of 18 which will be based around the young players already at the club, but I've spoken to a few people who are really keen to play for Bridport.

"If I can get some of the players in within the next month it will give me time to mould the squad in the pre-season and determine what is best for the club.

"I'm really excited about the future, it's a great opportunity for me and the start of the season can't come quickly enough."