Keeper Stewart signs one-year deal

8:34am Saturday 9th August 2008

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NEW signing Gareth Stewart believes the mixture of youth and experience within the Magpies' squad will "take the club forward".

The 28-year-old goalkeeper, who has signed a one-year deal with the county town outfit, was unveiled as manager Shaun Brooks' eighth summer signing at a Jewson Stadium Press conference yesterday afternoon.

The former AFC Bournemouth stopper, who was released by the Cherries in May following a nine-year stay, admitted that his next move would be a tough one to make but is happy with his decision to sign for the Magpies.

He said: "After being at Bournemouth for so long it was a big decision to make in terms of what I wanted to do next.

"As a player you always want to do the best for yourself and your family. The last few years at Bournemouth were difficult and it was about me finding my feet again and committing to a new challenge and a new test.

"It was getting near the end of the summer and I knew what Shaun was doing here. I spoke to him and asked if I could come down and do some training at the very least.

"I came down last Monday and it took just one session for me to know that I'd enjoy it here. I'm delighted it's all done and we can go and enjoy ourselves now.

"I could see the potential of the younger players and there's a good mixture of experience and youngsters who can take the club forward. I'm delighted to be a part of it."

Stewart is expected to make his debut for the Magpies this afternoon (3pm) when Dorchester visit Braintree Town in their opening fixture of the Blue Square South campaign.

But the experienced gloveman will not be taking his position for granted. He added: "I'm here to play and hopefully I will but I've got to prove myself. If I'm not doing things correctly and letting people down then I'm not going to be playing.

"I'm absolutely fine and raring to go. I can't wait to get out there on the pitch."

Stewart, who was a loan target for Brooks last season, believes the Magpies will have a much better campaign this time around.

He said: "Clubs go through good, bad and indifferent times. Last season was last season and it's completely different here now.

"There is a different set of players now and we can only go out there and show people what we can do."