DORCHESTER Town have secured the services of teenage centre-back Harry Redknapp Jr for the 2024/25 Southern League Premier South.

Redknapp Jr, grandson of legendary manager and former Dorchester player Harry, was a free agent after his release this week by AFC Bournemouth.

The 17-year-old, who turns 18 on Monday, was a second-year scholar at the Vitality Stadium and played four times for the Magpies on loan last season.

Redknapp Jr will have the chance to learn from experienced centre-back Will Spetch and new arrival Tom Bragg when he reports to the Avenue Stadium for pre-season and beyond.

READ MORE: Harry Redknapp Jr among three former Dorchester loanees released by AFC Bournemouth

Dorchester boss Tom Killick told Echosport: “He’s got a bit of versatility about him, Harry.

“He can play right-side centre-half and he can play right-back. I feel he could do a job in the middle of the park as a holding midfielder.

“That’s something he hasn’t done so far in his career but I feel he’s got that in him.

“He’s a led that’s really desperate to do well and do everything he can to push himself on in the game.

“He’s physically very good, so I feel it could work really well for both parties.

“We can give him a bit of a platform to show what he’s capable of and he can offer us a real energy and enthusiasm, allied to some real talent.

“It’s a big thing to say he’s going to be able to fill Ed (James’) shoes as such, but I feel he’s got a good chance of that.”

Speaking to the Magpies’ media team, Killick added: “I'm really pleased to announce that Harry Redknapp Jr has signed a contract with the club.

“Harry made a great impression in the brief time he was with us at the end of the season and we feel he is a player with huge ability and the potential to get back into full-time football.

“He will be a real asset and we are very happy to have him with us."

Redknapp Jr is the second player to join the Magpies this week, after centre-back Bragg, and is Dorchester's 10th recruit of the summer.

Shaq Gwengwe, Jordan Ngalo, Jack Dickson, Corby Moore, Will Spetch, Olaf Koszela, Luke Pardoe and Luke Roberts have already committed.

Dorchester would have had 11 players in their squad, but for the defection to Wimborne of Drew Eccott-Young, who had already agreed a deal with Killick's men.