Senior looks for a double signing (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Senior looks for a double signing

8:51am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in The Bees By Adam Summers

TREVOR Senior is hoping to add Alex Halloran and Simon Baines to his squad for the forthcoming campaign.

The Bridport boss invited both men to St Mary’s Field for the start of pre-season training last week and he is hopeful they will remain at the club despite interest from other clubs.

Ex-Weymouth midfielder Halloran is understood to be keen to make the step up following a short spell back at Portland United last season while former Dorchester Town Reserves ace Baines has just returned to the area following several years of living in South Africa.

Senior said: “There has been a good turnout at training with a few new faces too, so it has all been pretty encouraging so far.

“It was great to see Alex come across and although he is still not sure what he wants to do, I am hopeful he will stay, and the same goes for Simon.

“He has just returned from living in South Africa and his quality and experience would make him a great addition for us.

“Poole Town and Wimborne Town are also interested in him as well so there is quite a bit of competition for his services but he appeared to enjoy training and I know he wants regular football.

“He can play anywhere across the backline and his talking and organising was excellent, which is just what we need.

“Sam Filkins also brought his brother Jamie along, who was at Blandford United last year, so hopefully he will come back too.

“I did speak to Westland Sports as well to see if any of their lads wanted to come across following their withdrawal from the Dorset Premier League but unfortunately it’s easier for them to go Sherborne Town.”

Senior is also keen to see striker Ben Briscoe and another ex-Weymouth and Portland asset, Lewis Whyton, at training over the next couple of weeks.

He added: “Lewis didn’t show up for the first couple of sessions but hopefully he will come along at a later date.

“Another one that was due to come across was Ben but we also haven’t seen him as yet although I do know he plays a lot of cricket, which could explain it.”

Two players that could be set to fly the coop are Dan Peart and Shane Evans, who are continuing to keep their options open.

Senior went on to say: “I think Dan is looking to leave and go to Wimborne and I am not sure what Shane is planning either. All he has said is he might look elsewhere.

“Dan did not get many games last season but for most of it he was struggling with injury.

“He had a bad back that kept him out for a long time and it would certainly be a shame to see him go.”

There has also been interest in Tom Richardson from Blackfield & Langley, who are now managed by ex-Dorchester boss Ashley Vickers.

Senior concluded: “By all accounts, Ash has shown an interest in Tom but again I am hopeful he will stay.

“It would mean a lot more travelling for him but we shall just have to wait and see.”