DORCHESTER Town assistant James Wood has revealed new winger Billy Stedman is a “joy to coach”.

Stedman, 22, counts Southampton and Coventry City among his former clubs.

He also enjoyed a 19-game spell, scoring once, with Icelandic second division side UMF Víkingur Ólafsvík in 2020.

Now Stedman is back in the UK and keen to rise up the standings by delivering good performances for the Magpies.

His Dorchester debut came in the 3-0 win over Wimborne, during which he helped set up the third goal for Alfie Stanley – despite only being on the pitch for seven minutes.

Speaking to Echosport, Wood said: “I thought he looked good when he came on.

“Great touch out of his feet, he flicked it round somebody and helped one over the top. It was Kieran (Roberts) who went through, I think it led to the goal.

“Technically, very good. He’s got a very good CV with the clubs he’s been at, Southampton, Coventry.

“A lovely lad, as well. A joy to coach, works really hard. That’s the type of character we want here.

“People that want to succeed, climb the football pyramid, and genuinely nice lads that want to work hard.

“That’s what we want and he fits that bill.”

Dorchester will learn more about Stedman’s versatility in future games – although Wood is encouraged by the early indications.

“The weeks to come will decide that,” Wood added.

“We’ll get to know him better and he’ll get to know us better. Then obviously we can tweak things with him.

“The initial signs are very good. He can play either side, play as a 10 or even a nine if needed. He looks quite versatile in his approach.”