DAN Cann is eager to help deliver success for the Magpies next season, a decade after playing a part in the club’s last promotion-winning campaign.

The summer arrival from Poole Town was a fresh-faced teenager at the Avenue in 2004 when Dorchester went up to the newly-formed Conference South via the play-offs.

And, back at the club after a decade away, the striker, now 28, can’t wait to get his second spell in the county town up and running – and he has been impressed with how things have gone so far.

“It’s been really good,” he said. “It has probably been the best training I have taken part in other than when I was at Bourne-mouth as a youngster.

“Stuart Heath is doing a good job, the sessions are really well-structured, and the lads are buying into it.

“We’ve been doing a lot of endurance stuff and match-related fitness work.

“It’s important to keep it as short and sharp as possible because it relates to what you would do in a match.

“I’m one of those strange people who quite like pre-season because I enjoy running, and it’s nice to get back on the ball.

“I’ve settled in well and I know quite a few of the lads which has helped me bed in, and with the other new signings we’ve got a good group of lads with a great camaraderie.”

One of Cann’s first aims is to impress the home fans with the type of game he has become known for during his time in the lower leagues.

“I hope I can get the fans on board early doors and show them what I’m made of,” he added.

“It’s important I build that bond with the Dorchester supporters and from what I remember they are a great group of people who always get behind their side.

“I also want to repay the faith Phil Simkin has shown in me and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“My main attribute is that I’m strong on the ball and can hold it up well, which is something Dorchester maybe haven’t had for the last two seasons.

“Phil has made some big signings which are a sign that the club is trying to move in the right direction.

“Someone like Ben Joyce is very clever and can make the right runs, and if I hold up possession we can build from that.

“My strength is always something I’ve had and Tommy Killick would play me up front on my own at Poole because I can hold the ball up and bring others in to play.”

*The club is inviting all local charities that support people with physical, mental or emotional difficulties to issue their members with Magpies’ identity cards.

If they take up the offer then the card bearer can attend any home league match for just £6.

For more information, contact the club’s community director Allen Knott on 267217 or email sarumrdr@gotadsl.co.uk