PORTLAND United have unveiled Matt Harvey and Alfie Toland as their first new signings of the summer.

Harvey, 27, comes across from Dorset Senior League side Chickerell United, while Alfie Toland re-joins the club from Eastleigh.

Toland, who has also spent time at Dorchester, in April managed to return to playing with Eastleigh from a broken leg just six months after the injury.

Toland has previous experience with the Blues after playing a part in the curtailed 2020/21 season.

Comfortable in central defence or midfield, Harvey played 22 games and scored five goals for the Chickens as they finished fifth last season.

Former Weymouth Reserves and Terras youth product Harvey also works with Portland boss Franklyn Clarke at his soccer schools and comes in to add experience to a youthful Blues squad.

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Speaking on his first acquisition of the off-season, Clarke told Echosport: “Matt works for me.

“I have a coaching company called Mini Ballers which coaches kids from the age of two to six and then I have Franklyn Clarke Private Training.

“Matt works with me on both but I’ve seen Matt play and he came to training with us a couple of times towards the end of last season.

“I was really keen to get him in. For us, it’s about signing good people as well. He’s a good age at 27 and he’ll be a good example for the lads both on and off the pitch.

“I’m really happy to get Matt in and he’s keen to prove himself as well.

“He’s coming in as a centre-back predominantly but he can do a job in midfield as well as a holding midfielder.

“He’s quite versatile and he can also play right-back. That versatility is important for us.”

Portland are also understood to have concluded player talks over next season with the majority of their squad. The Blues are hopeful of retaining a large proportion of their side.

But left-back Harry Hutchinson is expected to remain with Poole Town after an impressive stint with the Dolphins late last season.