BRIDPORT boss Adam Fricker has landed a coup by adding former Yeovil Town centre-back Paul Thorpe to the first-team management team at St. Mary’s Field.

Former professional Thorpe joins Fricker and Paddy Behan at the club as the Bees look to strengthen their defence and work on other areas as a unit.

Fricker admitted to Echosport he had been “very keen” to bolster his coaching staff in the close season.

He said: “We were very keen to bring in someone else to our management team this season.

“As an ex-pro he’s got a wealth of experience in him and knows the game well. It means we can work on different areas and freshen things up a little bit.

“He’s a new face and a fresh voice for the lads who have been with myself and Paddy for a few years.”

Bridport had an unsettled back line for much of last season, but Fricker is now looking for extra solidity when Thorpe gets to work with the squad.

“He’s someone who can work with our defenders and it’s good for us to be able to bring in someone new from that perspective – I think we did leak quite a few goals last season.

“(Defence) was an area that we were chopping and changing but it’s good to have that experience of someone who has played predominantly defensively.

“He’s quite well-known around the area and it puts everyone on edge a little bit. He’s looking forward to getting involved as we start next Thursday.”

Bridport are expected to be handed another boost after Fricker revealed that a deal for prolific striker Mark Salter to remain with the Bees is “99 per cent done and dusted”.

“We’ve agreed a deal in principle that Mark Salter will stay on, apart from signing it’s 99 per cent done and dusted.

“That’s massive for us, he’s a crucial player. His experience is going to be invaluable. He scored 20-plus goals for us last season and hopefully he can look to get that for us again,” Fricker said.

In addition to Salter, Fricker has offered deals to three players who are aiming for Southern Premier League football next term.

“It’s a statement of intent if we can get another couple of players in. We have put deals to them and if things don’t work we can go from there.

“We’re in a stronger position than this time last season, which is that we know next Thursday we’ll have a squad of 18 straight away and if we add to it, it will be a bonus.

“We’re in a comfortable place. The more players I get it’s (adding) competition for places.”