DORCHESTER Town winger Tom Blair has hailed the appointment of the “influential” Trevor Senior to the county town club.

Former Magpie Senior was hired to boss Craig Laird’s backroom staff earlier in May and will work alongside first-team coach Stuart Heath.

Blair came up through the youth ranks at Bridport when Senior was in charge of the Bees and the teenager credits the Magpies’ newest coach with transforming him into a winger.

“He was really good with me at Bridport,” Blair told Echosport. “The way he didn’t put me into the deep end straight away, just progressing through the reserves to the first team was ideal.

“I came straight from youth football as a central midfielder and he said it was like watching someone play five-a-side.

“He said he could see me as a winger, so I played one game there and never looked back. Without Trevor I never would have seen myself in that position.

“I had the passing and crossing game as a central midfielder but because of his advice I’ve obviously pushed on to bigger things and I can thank him for that.”

Having been involved with Senior’s soccer schools from an early age, Blair knows the positive impact the former Reading forward can have on inexperienced players.

“He knows what it takes to make it as a pro. I think just his experience will be good for the younger players and the older players will have a lot of respect for him because of his knowledge at this level.

“He’ll be able to help me with my game as well as being influential for everyone else.”

Commenting on the new coaching structure at the Avenue, Blair feels the introduction of the more reserved Senior will help the team out. Heathy and Trevor can learn from each other. Their experience will help us out.

“Trevor doesn’t say much but when he does say something you’ve got to listen and take notice. He’s got really good communication skills and because of his knowledge you know he’s going to be right. I’m looking forward to getting started underneath him,” he added.