DORCHESTER Town have fought off competition from Exeter City and Truro City to land midfield maestro Ashley Nicholls.

The Npower League One Grecians and Blue Square Bet South new boys were both keen to snap up the experienced 29-year-old, but it is the Magpies who have won the race for his services.

And Nicholls, who put pen to paper on a one-year deal last night, becomes boss Ashley Vickers’ second capture of the close season – following Ben Dickenson’s arrival at the weekend.

The county town chief said: “He is a quality and proven player but we are not paying over the odds for him.

“Players of his ilk are hard to come by, especially when you take our location into account.

“Ashley has mostly been based around London and done well for the clubs he has played at. Fortunately for us he is moving to Exeter as he is studying there for a PhD in Law. He is an intelligent lad and obviously he’s looking at his future after football.

“Exeter City came in for him but he wants to stay part-time. Truro also wanted him but he has chosen us.”

Nicholls started his career at Ipswich Town but was never offered a contract at Portman Road.

Stints at Darlington, Cambridge United and Rushden & Diamonds followed before Nicholls moved into non-League football with the likes of Grays Athletic and Boston United.

The Magpies’ newest arrival is no stranger to Blue Square Bet South, having spent last season at fellow strugglers Maidenhead United, and Vickers believes he will prove to be a fine addition.

The boss, who starts his charity trek to Land’s End this Friday, added: “He is a great player, very clever and has excellent technique. He will also add steel to the team.

“He scores goals from midfield and is well thought of by a lot of managers. He is 29 so he should be hitting his peak.

“I know him previously and I have always been impressed by the way he conducts himself. No one is guaranteed to start but his pedigree is excellent.

“Mark Jermyn has been excellent this year and is a great combative midfielder. If we can complement that with someone like Ashley, or the likes of Jamie Gleeson, James Coutts and Jamie Symes then great.

“It’s about finding the right balance and having competition for places, which is what Ashley will bring. Competition brings out the best in players.”

* Magpies’ reporter for the Western Gazette, Howard Milton, has sadly passed away following a battle with illness.