FORMER Bridport youngster Tom Blair wished his previous club well and admitted the Bees had a big part to play in his development as a player.

The 17-year-old, who penned a two-year deal with Dorchester Town on Saturday having made the switch from St Mary’s Field to the Avenue earlier this month, also thanked his former Bees’ bosses in Trevor Senior and current Bridport manager Adam Fricker.

Asked about his time with the Bees, he said: “Bridport was quite an experience for me, to be fair.

“Trevor (Senior) was really good with me when I came in. He used to be my primary school PE teacher and I used to go to all his soccer schools.

“He was one of the only reasons I wanted to go to Bridport firstly because I know how good he is. When I found out he was gone (from the club) it was a big blow to me.”

He added: “But when Adam (Fricker) and Paddy (Behan, assistant) came in they were really good to me.

“I was thrown into the first team and was playing well in pre-season.

“I am still in the group with Bridport and the lads are wishing me all the best.

“I got a text from Adam on Saturday saying ‘well done on your contract mate’.

“They have won three on the bounce now and are on a good run.

“I do wish Bridport all the best because they had a big part to play in where I am now.”

The Bees will look to make it four wins on the bounce on Saturday when they host Melksham Town at St Mary's Field (3pm).