DORCHESTER captain Simon Mitchem has announced that four new faces have linked up with the club over the winter.

The quartet of Will McKay, David Trotter, Josh Richardson and Jack Walkett are all set to turn out for the county town side this season, and all-rounder Mitchem is delighted to have them on board.

Speaking about the additions of former Weymouth duo McKay and Trotter, he told Echosport: “I have known Will for years and he is a really good batsman, we really wanted him to come last year, but we are happy to have got him over now.

“Dave brings a wealth of experience, which is vital in any side.”

They will be joined by paceman Richardson, and former Beaminster and Cattistock leg-spinner Walklett, to boost Dorchester’s first-team options going into the new campaign.

Commenting on seamer Richardson, Mitchem added: “We worked hard to get him to come and he brings a lot to the table.

“He has played for the Dorset Leopards so we are really pleased about that. He is an opening bowler with good pace and can bat a bit which is a massive boost for us.”

On Walklett’s arrival, the captain added: “He wanted to make the step up to play in the Premier League.

“I played against him last year and I was really impressed with his bowling.

“We had a conversation about it and he has come to pre-season. I have been really impressed and I am looking forward to seeing him bowl and take some wickets in the Premier League, which I’m sure he will do.

“He gives us that extra option, which is great.”

Dorchester will not have to wait too much longer to get into competitive action.

Mitchem is set to lead the side this weekend as they have been accepted into the National Knockout Cup for the first time this year, and have been drawn at home against Fawley, from the Southern League, on Sunday (1pm).

All visitors are welcome to attend and, the club will have a new bar in place to provide refreshment, which was funded by an ECB Waitrose grant and another donation by the club’s vice-presidents.

“I am really pleased with the work we have done over the winter and the players we have brought in,” Mitchem added.

“Everyone is looking forward to the start of the season and there is a bit of a buzz around the club.”