Dorchester Town have made their first signing of the close season – former Weymouth keeper Jason Matthews.

The 37-year-old arrives at the Avenue Stadium on a one-year deal from Bath City and becomes Phil Simkin’s first capture as permanent boss.

The latter told Echosport: “I’m delighted he’s joining and although I’ve not worked with him before, I have known him for a while.

“Those who have worked with him don’t have a bad word to say about him either.

“He has years of experience, he will be tremendous in the dressing room and he can be a big asset to the club.”

With last season’s first-choice stopper, Alan Walker-Harris, currently sidelined with a broken leg, Matthews is expected to assume the number one jersey.

However, Simkin denied that Matthews’ arrival will signal the end of Walker-Harris’ county town career.

He added: “No one, not even Alan, knows how long it will take him to heal, recover and get fit again.

“I have spoken to him and he has nothing to worry about as far as his job at the club is concerned.

“But when a keeper of Jason’s calibre becomes available, and within your means, you have to take him.”

And the Magpies’ manager is on the hunt for more new faces, saying: “I have been speaking to people non-stop.

“I’m glad the games are over so that I can concentrate on this, as opposed to getting 11 players on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, last season’s leading appearance maker Nathan Walker, who turned out 47 times in Dorchester colours, has committed himself to the 2012/13 campaign by putting pen to paper on a one-year extension.

Simkin added: “Nathan has re-signed, which we are obviously delighted about, and we will be speaking to the others this week.”

Prior to next season, the Magpies will host crisis club Kettering Town in a pre-season friendly (July 14), with Brighton & Hove Albion and Yeovil Town also due to visit the Avenue.

Simkin said: “As far as I’m aware the Kettering friendly has been confirmed and we should also be having Brighton’s first team coming down as part of the deal for Ben Dickenson.

“Gus Poyet has promised to bring the first team down so hopefully we will get a decent gate out of it as well.

“We will also have a Yeovil side coming down and there are a couple of local sides I have promised we will visit.

“We won’t have as many friendlies as we did last year because we need time to train, but we will have a nice mix.”