DORCHESTER Town have made their biggest signing of the summer so far after former Leicester City goalkeeper Chris Weale agreed terms with the club.

Experienced Weale, 35, played 51 times for the Foxes in the 2009/10 season as they reached the Championship play-off semi-finals under boss Nigel Pearson.

Weale’s career began at Yeovil Town and the ‘keeper was a key part of the Glovers’ rise from what was the Conference to League One, making 189 appearances for the Somerset club during his career.

Magpies’ assistant-manager Trevor Senior told Echosport he is “absolutely delighted” to have secured the services of the veteran gloveman.

He said: “It’s a massive signing for us and should give everyone at the club and the supporters a lift.

“He’s got a great attitude and is just what we’re looking for with his experience. At 35 he’s no age and he’ll be able to help out with the young players. We’ve done really well to get him.”

Weale, who trained in spells with Dorchester last season, is the Magpies’ twelfth summer signing and fits a number of criteria for the county town side.

“We said we wanted to keep it local and he came across really well. He was goalkeeping coach at Yeovil and having someone on the field with that coaching ability is a big asset. I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Senior also revealed that the club had beaten off competition for Weale, who spent last season at Derby County without playing a game.

“He was impressed with what he heard and could see with what we’re trying to do with our plans going forward.

“He had a possible offer of staying in full-time football but he has a young family and wanted to spend a lot more time with them having been in the game for a long time.

“We tick a lot of boxes that he was looking for,” Senior added.

Dorchester director Shaun Hearn has been working on the deal and felt the capture of Weale was a “fantastic signing” for the Avenue Stadium outfit.

He said: “He’s had a fantastic career and he’s a really sound bloke as well. He just wanted to play football and the club is on his doorstep. He’s still a good age for a goalkeeper and I’m sure he’s still got plenty left in him.”