NEW Dorchester Town signing Sean Stewart revealed that Magpies’ assistant-manager Trevor Senior was a key figure in his move to the Avenue Stadium.

Stewart, who last season played for arch-rivals Weymouth, failing to score before securing a loan move to Blackfield & Langley, previously played under Senior’s leadership at Bridport.

The holding midfielder, whose partner is pregnant, is one of nine players so far recruited by Dorchester for the 2018/19 campaign, and is seen as a straight replacement for ex-skipper Gary Bowles.

Speaking to Echosport about his deal with the club, Stewart felt he still had something to prove at Southern League South level, but praised Terras’ boss Mark Molesley despite his “frustrating” time at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

He said: “I’m really happy. Obviously I played for Trevor previously at Bridport. I spoke to him at the end of the season and he offered me the chance to go (to Dorchester).

“I thought it was a good move for me personally. I didn’t really get a great deal of chances at Weymouth and I definitely feel like I can prove myself at this level.

“It was pretty frustrating at Weymouth but Moles helped me a lot since I left the club.

“It was difficult at the time but he got me my loan move to Blackfield and I ended up staying there, playing two cup finals at St Mary’s, winning the league and getting them promotion.

“For me it’s more local. I’m having a baby so it’s closer to home for me.”

Former Terra Stewart dismissed the notion he might receive a negative reaction from Weymouth fans, and feels he can bring more “physicality” to the Dorchester midfield than predecessor Bowles.

He said: “The reaction should be alright. I probably will get a bit of stick during the games but I think it will be alright.

“To be fair I’ve not really seen much of Gary but from what I’ve heard he’s the same sort of player – but I can bring a little bit more physicality.”