Stewart scoop

9:12am Thursday 7th August 2008

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DORCHESTER Town will announce the capture of former AFC Bournemouth keeper Gareth Stewart tomorrow.

Magpies' boss Shaun Brooks was keen to keep the identity of his latest acquisition under wraps but the 28-year-old is set to be unveiled at a Press conference tomorrow at the Jewson Stadium (2.30pm).

Stewart has been training with the county town club this week following his release from Bournemouth in May, which ended a nine-year stay with the Cherries.

Brooks said: "We've been talking to a goalkeeper who certainly fits the bill.

"There are one or two bits and pieces to sort out first but we will announce the signing tomorrow of an experienced keeper who will be a fantastic coup for the club."

In pre-season, the number one slot has been occupied by trialists Michael McEntagart and Nick Hutchings.

However, McEntagart, who Brooks was keen to sign, is trying his luck at Championship outfit Charlton Athletic while Brooks feels ex-Hamworthy United keeper Hutchings is not quite ready for Blue Square South football.

Of teenage gloveman Regan Coward, who was part of the squad last season, Brooks added: "He is going to be registered to play for us and he's a promising young keeper."

Meanwhile, Michael Walker has signed registration forms with the Magpies, enabling him to play this season in what will be his third spell at the club. The defender, who last played for the county town side two seasons ago, had been on trial with Dorchester over pre-season.

But Brooks has been impressed with Walker's performances, which included two goals, and wants to keep the ex-Portland United man at the club for the start of the forthcoming campaign.

Brooks said: "I've been impressed with Michael since he's been here. He's signed registration forms so he will be a part of the squad.

"He can play for us this season but there's no more to it than that unless the budget changes.

"Michael's desperate to make up after the last time he was at the club. He's willing to stick around and try to work his way into the side, and in turn force our hand somewhat.

"His attitude has been spot on, we'll just see how things pan out."

Brooks also issued a warning to his players ahead of Saturday's curtain-raiser at Braintree Town following last weekend's 2-1 friendly defeat at the hands of BGB Southern Premier Division outfit Farnborough Town.

He added: "We want genuine competition for places and if the first team think they are going to be the first team regardless of performances then they have another thing coming.

"We'll have a look at their performance in training and then we'll pick the side accordingly."