PORTLAND United have made former Blues stars Shaun Bessant and Gareth Will the first signings of the Kyle Critchell era.

Bessant and Will played together under legendary Portland boss Gary Bailey as the Blues won the Wessex League Division One title in 2015/16.

Will has recently played at Dorchester Sports, while Bessant followed him across last season having stayed at Portland for a longer period, including the Wessex Premier title win of 2016/17.

However, with the appointment of Critchell and assistant Jamie Symes at Portland, the duo have been lured back.

READ MORE: Kyle Critchell explains Portland United move

Speaking on his first acquisitions as Portland boss, Critchell said: “Shaun’s coming in and he’s an excellent character.

“He’s going to be great for the young lads in terms of a very different voice from me and Jamie.

“I’m super excited to have him. I know what he’s going to give me, great experience at that level.

“We’ve also signed Gareth, who epitomises everything I ask of in a player. He knows how I play, he’s a good age and has that experience.

“His energy and enthusiasm is kind of endearing so it’s another good signing.”

Critchell also revealed he’s working on a third new addition.

“There’s potentially one more,” he admitted. “But I don’t want to rip up everything and not give the lads a chance.

“I felt we needed two or three experienced players within that level to give us that opportunity to progress, move forwards and help the youngsters that were there.

“We didn’t have those lads that could have a few words on the pitch and I think we’ve got that with Shaun and Gareth.”

The duo are expected to go into the squad to face second-placed AFC Stoneham at the Camp & Satherley Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Ahead of his first game as boss, Critchell said: “We’re not naïve, we understand how difficult the game’s going to be.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for the lads to bounce back from the weekend and to put in a performance in front of me for the first time.

“We’ve got a plan in mind of how we’re going to play until the end of the season. We’re excited to have that challenge and pick up some points.

“We’ve talked about going back to basics and keeping our shape nice and rigid. It’s incredibly important to not make as many mistakes as we can.

“I’ve put those points across to the boys and they know those principles that we’re going to work in.

“They’re excited to understand what’s being asked of them and hopefully that will help to progress.”

Portland have a fully-fit squad, while Riley Greenwood-Neate and Joel Hewitt will play in the reserves for more game time.

Stuart Beddingfield’s reserves drew 2-2 on Wednesday evening against Shaftesbury Reserves, with Josh Camp scoring twice.