DORCHESTER Town have secured the signature of exciting young midfielder Dom Panesar-Dower.


Panesar-Dower, 19, made his Southern Premier League debut for Weymouth in February during a 6-1 win over Basingstoke, and is the Magpies’ 14th signing of the summer. 


The talented right-winger is one of several midfielders to have signed for the club since May after boss Craig Laird welcomed the likes of Billy Lowes, Tom Blair and David Jerrard among others to the Avenue for next season. 


Assistant-manager Trevor Senior, who attended the meeting at which Panesar-Dower penned his deal, said the pacey wide-man “ticks a lot of boxes” for the squad.


He said: “He felt it was the right move for him and he’s going to come across and join up with us in pre-season. 


“Obviously he’s played at this level for Weymouth and knows what is required. He’s young and wants to progress and hopefully we can help him in that quest.


“He ticks a lot of boxes and is keen. That’s what we’re looking for, people with appetite.”


Panesar-Dower, who is based in the East Dorset area, adds further reinforcement to the Magpies’ ambitions of building a squad with a local influence – a key part of their recruitment strategy this summer. 


Dorchester, who are also looking to sign Bridgwater Town’s Jordan Lovibond, have signed a number of midfielders in the close season and Senior believes the increased competition for places in the middle third of the pitch is a good thing for the side. 

He said: “We have got a lot of competition in the midfield areas which is good. “It should be an interesting pre-season with a lot of players coming to the club wanting to be involved.”


Panesar-Dower had played for Weymouth last season but Dorchester moved in quickly for the player. 


A Terras spokesman said: “Dom did speak to us before he signed for Dorchester and they had offered him quite a good deal, as well as the opportunity to play regularly, and that was something that we couldn’t guarantee. Dom is clearly a talented player and will probably go on and do very well. 


“We wish him the best at Dorchester and will be keeping an eye on his progress.”