STUART Heath hailed the return of Sam Clarke before revealing that he will go straight into the line-up for tomorrow’s match with Parley Sports.

Clarke this week departed local rivals Chickerell and rejoined Portland United, for whom he was a star performer in their title-winning campaigns of previous seasons.

Blues’ boss Heath described the central defender as a “great asset” and then confirmed that he will renew his partnership with Andy Perkins at Grove Corner (2pm).

Heath told the Echo: “Sam approached us saying he wanted to come back to the club. It came out of the blue but I’m delighted because he is a really popular lad both on and off the pitch.

“He made it known to us that he wanted to return so we put seven days’ notice on him. It will be great to see him back in a blue shirt because he’s a fantastic player.

“I would say that when he’s on top form, there isn’t a better centre-back in the league. He will be a great asset for us and has real leadership qualities.

“He’s trained with us this week and done really well. I expect that he will come in alongside Andy Perkins in defence against Parley.

“Andy and Sam are a big reason why this club has been so successful over the last couple of years and there is now a better balance in terms of experience and youth in the squad.”

Though fit-again Perkins was relinquished of the skipper’s duties last week in favour of Lloyd Cranny, Heath feels this decision won’t have a detrimental impact on his performances.

“Andy was disappointed that I took the captaincy off him because he feels he could have continued for a while and done a good job,” said the islanders’ chief. “I have made my call and will stick by it. No one doubts Andy’s ability and he will be a crucial player for us – we are delighted to have him back.”

Heath’s troops have spent some considerable downtime in the past month due to the weather, but they are hopeful of contesting their first Dorset Premier League fixture since December 12.

Cranny and Lewis Whyton both have one match to serve on their respective suspensions, while Liam Miles is unavailable. Matt White is still recovering from medial ligament damage.

Despite admitting to being short of match practice, Heath believes his charges, seventh in the table, are well equipped to tackle last season’s Dorset Senior League champions.

He added: “We haven’t played for a while but it’s the same for most teams. We’ve been training indoors and the players have done stuff in their own time.

“It will be good to get out playing again and I’m confident we can put in a good performance on a pitch has been well looked after by Darren Whyton.”

Blues (from): Carroll, Greatrex, Dailey, D Skelton, Perkins, S Clarke, Maxted, Godfrey, Morgan, A Skelton, Churchill, Conning, Turrell, J Charles, D Charles.