RICH Robson says new Bridport recruit Derek Wall is ‘a little bit of a hidden gem’.

New Bees’ boss Robson has begun strengthening his squad, and Wall has since been followed by Joel Hewitt and Robinson Okumu.

Robson said: “I think Derek is a little bit of a hidden gem. I don’t think many people realise how good he actually is.

“When you look at him, he is a big lad, he is stacked, and he is rapid and he has got fantastic technique, literally he is a joy because he can play a number of positions.”

Wall has played for a variety of the clubs in the area, having been at Weymouth, Dorchester Reserves and Portland United Reserves.

Robson admits he may not employ him up front, with the Bees having recruited Lewis Clarke for the striker role, but discussed Wall’s huge potential.

He said: “I am not sure we will be employing him up front, he may be a bit of an understudy to Lewis but we will be looking more to Lewis up front.

“I have got different plans for Derek, but I think he is going to really grow, with a bit of guidance, a bit of coaching. He is not going to be the complete article straight away but he has got the potential to be a very, very good player.”

Robson has previously worked with Wall before at Dorchester Reserves and at county level and emphasised Wall’s potential.

He said: “Obviously I worked with him at county, and he was with me at Dorch Reserves as well so I know Derek very, very well and I know what he can bring.

“I think it is a wonder how no one has really sniffed around him before, especially senior teams. I thought ‘hold on, this lad, he can do a job’ and I am confident in him and I want to help push him to the extra level now.”

“The further we can push him the better, I think he has got fantastic potential to be a good non-league player and if he really, really engages himself, and that is something we need to help him on, I think his ability could take him anywhere really.”