NEW signing Nathan Simpson is delighted to finally be given a deal at the Avenue Stadium having first appeared in the county town during pre-season.

The defender featured in frien-dly matches against Exeter City and Yeovil Town back in July but a deal failed to materialise until just before the 3-1 defeat at Thurrock over a week ago.

Simpson told Echosport: "I got a call during pre-season that Dorchester were looking for a left-back and then it became a step-by-step process once I came down and spoke to director of football Shaun Brooks.

"After that I kept in contact with the club and continued training and I'm just happy to be here. I'm looking forward to getting my head down and working hard because this is a great club, run very professionally, and one which will only move forward."

Having started the previous two games in the left-back position, the 22-year-old faces stern competition from the likes of Jake Smeaton and Terry Parker, once he regains full fitness.

Simpson added: "There are lots of good players here, but if I can keep working hard in training and in games then hopefully I will keep my place in the team. I also need to make sure I work hard to get myself a long term deal."

The Magpies weren't in action at the weekend having already been knocked out of the FA Cup. But a stunning comeback last Tuesday in the Setanta Shield has certainly made for a buoyant mood in the dressing room according to the former Torquay United man.

He said: "Everyone's buzzing right now after beating Eastleigh, we are all desperate to get back out there on the pitch.

"If we can repeat the work we put in to that game then hopefully we can do well against Bromley this Saturday.

"In terms of what we can achieve this year it all depends on how well we settle as a team because we have got some great individuals here. If we work together then there's nothing stopping us from having a good season."

The ex-Crystal Palace youth player is aware that Dorchester can act as a stepping stone in his career, but remains fully committed to the Magpies' cause.

He said: "It works both ways really. If we all work hard and play well then we can move forward as a team, but at the same time we will also progress as players."