TREVOR Senior unveiled Ryan Dovell as his latest acquisition – and then backed him to spearhead Bridport’s quest for honours this season.

Former Hamworthy United and Poole Town striker Dovell joined the Bees this week before training at St Mary’s Field with his new team-mates for the first time.

The 29-year-old boasts a considerable pedigree at Wessex League level but was utilised predominantly as a left-back for title-winning Poole last term.

And boss Senior, whose pledge to employ Dovell in his preferred attacking position was an influencing factor, is understandably delighted to have landed a player he has long admired.

Senior said: “I tried to sign him last season but he was at Hamworthy with Phil Simkin and then he went to Poole Town.

“I had been keeping my eye on the situation and Poole seemed to be playing him at left-back. He’s versatile but I’ll be looking to play him up front and that was a big draw for him to come here.

“He is a really big signing for us. He won the league last season with Poole and it would be great if he could win something with us.

“Ryan will be 30 in August and although he has a wealth of experience, he’s young at heart and will fit in really well. We have got a lot of players with great potential but Ryan has been there and done it.

“I have been trying to bring a centre-forward to the club for a while and Ryan ticks all the boxes. He works with Darren Watts so I think he’s been telling him what it’s like here.

“I’m not putting pressure on Ryan but he will score goals. He’s sharp and can use both feet. I’m pleased we have got him and am sure he will enjoy his football.”

The arrival of Dovell bolsters Senior’s striking resources and with Matt Moors set to resume full training in a fortnight, those options are looking healthy ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

And Senior has also reiterated his desire to bring Sam Charles to West Dorset if his ambition of plying his trade at a higher standard falls through.

Competition for places across the pitch appears to be fierce, illustrated by the fact that more than 50 players turned up for the club’s opening training session of the summer.

Senior, whose side kick-off their pre-season campaign with a trip to Dorset Premier League outfit Westland Sports next Friday, added: “The lads look fit and have obviously been working hard.

“We had a great turnout at training and that didn’t include 15 or so that played for the first team last season. Lee Cuff and Lee Cleal were both there, as was Russell Legg and it was good to see him back.

“There’s a great atmosphere at the place and I was very impressed with what I saw at training.”