BRIDPORT boss John Godbold has stepped up his plans for next season with a raft of new signings.

Godbold, who has taken charge of just one game – a 2-0 loss to Wellington – since succeeding Jamie Manley, has signed a number of players as part of ‘The Project’ he aims to implement at St Mary’s Field.

His focus is unwaveringly on youth and since the third lockdown he has recruited former Shaftesbury striker Elliott Rossiter, while ex-Dorchester Sports midfielder Curtis Hansford is expected to join.

Seven more young talents also join the Bees in the shape of Harry Rupp, John Pritchard, Finlay Jarvis, Louis Gear, Devon Fry, Troy Wallbridge and Jack Weir.

Striker Lewis Clarke has returned to Portland United and it is now clear that defenders Andy Holmes and Ben Haines have also departed.

Changes are also afoot within the club, with former Wimbledon and Chelsea centre-back Godbold praising chairman Adrian Scadding.

Godbold told the Bees’ website: “The chairman has been fantastic.

“He’s doing loads of work on the club infrastructure, including implementing a new physio room for River Sutherland to operate out of – and there are plans in the offing for a manager’s office.

“Shaun Annetts I must thank for his day-to-day activity, and James Short – club coach, currently working towards his UEFA B Licence – has been superb.”

Godbold also sees the “green shoots” of a fresh new era emerging at Bridport.

He said: “There has been great interaction between the players, and the new team members have slotted in really well.

“Even with the relatively small amount of time working together so far, we could already see green shoots coming through against Wellington.

“Players were maintaining what has been asked of them and putting into practice the pattern and shape of play we want to instil.”

During lockdown, players have also been encouraged to improve fitness.

“We’ve set challenges for the lads with fitness,” Godbold said.

“They are performing lunges and squats which are so important, and additionally are working towards a fitness goal of being able to run seven miles in 49 minutes – a practice that latest sports scientists are promoting for English Premier League players.

“They submit their times so we can track their progress, and right now – any progress we see from the group is a great positive.”

Bridport’s Toolstation Western League is expected to be voided due to Covid-19 and Godbold is already looking ahead.

He said: “We have an excellent group of players, everyone we wanted involved is here and I’m looking forward to having a proper pre-season and really getting down to work with them.

“We will get our attacking pattern of play firmly established – get the fans back in so they can see the hard work everyone is putting in, and I hope we’ll surprise a few people next season.”