FORMER Dorchester Town midfield maestro Harry Kite has credited his time at the Magpies with sharpening his competitive nature.

Kite, 18, returned to parent club Exeter City having played 46 games for Dorchester in a hugely successful loan spell during which the teenager scored five times.

Having joined the Magpies to boost his experience of men’s football, Kite also turned out for the Exeter first team as a substitute in their 2-0 EFL Trophy group stage win over Bristol Rovers in November.

Speaking to Echosport, Kite relished his time at the Clayson Stadium and also praised former manager Steve Thompson for affording him match minutes.

He said: “I’d say it was a really successful loan period for me. The main reason for me to go out on loan was to experience men’s football and I felt like I definitely experienced it with the competition of the league.

“Tommo would be the main person I’d be thankful to for playing me for so many games. I was sad to see him go but I was thankful to Callum (Brooks, current boss) as well because when he came in he had trust in me.

“I’m grateful to both managers for giving me the chance to progress over the season.”

Asked what part of Kite’s game the Grecian felt had improved the most, he said: “I felt the competitiveness overall. Men’s football beings it up a notch compared to playing youth and under-18s football.

“I feel the desire and that hunger to win – it was more competitive in this league and there are jobs on the line as we found out with Steve.

“It’s a very competitive industry so that’s the main area I improved.

“You need to experience (loans) to challenge yourself in different ways than I would if I was playing reserve or under-23 games.

“I’ve done a bit of both and I feel they’ve both helped and improved me. As I hadn’t been out on loan before I felt it was important I went out and realised what it was like, because there’s a lot at stake.

“I felt I was playing for the club, the badge and your job at the same time. I needed to go out on loan for a season and felt it was successful.”

Commenting on his plans with Sky Bet League Two side Exeter next season, Kite hopes to cement his place at the Grecians.

“My main aim is to try and break into the Exeter first-team,” he insisted. “Being a regular or just getting a bit of game time.

“I’m contracted to Exeter so I go in on Friday. I’m not sure what the plan will be, I’ll probably find out when I get in what their plan is for the season.

“Obviously if I go out on loan I’ll give my all and try and improve.”