PORTLAND United have signed former Wimborne Town and Shaftesbury striker Aidan Shepherd on a permanent deal.

The Blues have once more bolstered their striker department after signing Weymouth Under-23s hitman Connor Bent as cover for injured top scorer Greg Borthwick.

And Shepherd represents another quality addition, with the forward coming across from Wessex League Premier counterparts Blackfield & Langley.

Shepherd has only played three times for the Watersiders this season but bagged 12 goals in 16 games for Verwood Town in Wessex Division One.

READ MORE: Portland United 3-0 Christchurch - report

He then moved to Verwood’s Division One rivals Downton but only played twice without scoring as Blackfield snapped him up.

Commenting on his latest signing, Portland boss Kyle Critchell said: “He’s a fantastic human being, he’s really buying into the project that we’re trying to create and the team we’re trying to build.

“He’ll be an excellent acquisition and another step forward for Portland. A big thank you to everyone that’s helped get the signing over the line.

“He’s made the decision to earn less but buy into more of a team ethos. Where he can see us having a lot of youngsters around the team and we’re trying to develop them, he sees himself as part of that project.

“We’re doing the right things in the local area to attract players like Aidan, so I’m super exciting to get working with him.”

Shepherd provides competition up front for Bent, plus Borthwick when he returns from injury, and both Tom Butcher and Troy Walbridge in the reserves.

Critchell added: “Progression for us now is trying to unlock defences. Our record at home speaks for itself so we’ve got to have adaptation and the ability to change what we do.

“Competition for places is really important at any level. It makes players perform better. Hopefully that’s the effect Aidan will have.”

Shepherd will be in the Blues’ squad for tomorrow's trip to Bournemouth Poppies (1pm).