GRAHAM Kemp reckons centre-half Chris Dillon is his “best-ever first signing as a manager”.

Dillon becomes Kemp’s maiden acquisition as Magpies’ boss less than a week after taking over the reins at the Avenue.

And the defender, who joins on non-contract terms, is someone the Dorchester chief knows well.

The two worked together at Christchurch before Dillon took up a scholarship in the USA and then went on to play in Australia.

Dillon trained with the Magpies on Tuesday night and is set to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s home fixture with Hungerford Town.

“Chris has got to be my best-ever first signing as a manager,” said Kemp.

“If you take into account everything that’s happened in a short space of time you would struggle to get a better first signing than Chris.

“When a lad like Chris shows an interest you have to take it seriously.

“You’ve only got to read what the Eastleigh manager said about him to know what you’re getting.

“He is an out and out centre-half but he can play as well.

“He’s a nice lad who is coming in with the right attitude.

“Chris is raring to go and looked sharp in training on Tuesday, and he knows some of the boys in the squad.

“He is available for Saturday but I’m not sure how I’m going to play things yet.

“Hungerford are a tough side but Chris won’t be put off by that.”

Dillon was part of the Eastleigh side that won the Conference South title last season before being released by Spitfires’ manager Richard Hill in May.

Kemp swooped for the centre-back in July while still boss of Hamworthy United, however, Dillon didn’t make an appearance for the Wessex League outfit.

“I’m really pleased to get him,” added Kemp.

* A supporters’ coach is being organised for Dorchester Town’s FA Cup match away at Abingdon United on Saturday, September 27.

Seats cost £15 and to book a place email media@dorchestertownfc.

com, call the club on 262451, or speak to Paul Harris or Alan Luther at this Saturday’s home game against Hungerford.

The coach will be departing for the second qualifying round tie in Oxfordshire at 11am.