PORTLAND United manager Gary Bailey is excited by the appointment of former Bridport interim- manager Mark Carter, who has joined the club as assistant-manager.

Carter, who has had a spell at Grove Corner before, left St Mary’s Field at the end of the season after there was no contact from new manager Adam Fricker.

Now, he has joined up with Bailey as Portland take on their Wessex League Premier Division campaign.

Speaking about the addition, Bailey said: “I’m really pleased (with the addition). It’s been a work in progress for a few weeks from the end of the season and we’ve had some dialogue.

“We had a meeting earlier in the week and we’ve decided it’s something we both want to do and I’m delighted to have him.

“He brings great experience and he has played for the club so he has an affinity with us.

“He’s also gained great experience from working under Trevor (Senior) at Bridport and he’s done his time at Weymouth.

“He’s a really good addition to the coaching staff.”

Portland also confirmed the rest of their coaching set-up for the new season with Carl Mutch and Chris Wilson joining Bailey and Carter.

Wilson and Mutch were both part of the Blues’ successful campaign last season, and Bailey is pleased that his side now have some coaching experience from higher leagues.

He added: “It’s important that we are adding people who have that Step Five experience and Mark does that as a coach and as a player.

“He’s a really good addition to the club.”

Carter had a turbulent time at Bridport last season, finishing the season in charge of the club with just one win in 16 games.

Now, the former Portland coach and player is excited by the new challenge.

He said: “It’s great to be back. I’ve played with a successful side there when we won the double, so I’m excited to join them for their Wessex League push.

“I’ve worked with quite of few of the players before so can’t wait to start and get going.”

Also joining Carter on the island is Darren Watts, a former player at Bridport, who has signed on to give the Blues some more Step Five experience.

Talking about his new player, Bailey explained: “Darren is a player I have admired for a while and I tried to sign last season.

“Being able to bring him in with his experience is a great asset to the club and it is fantastic.

“Hopefully we will be able to bring in more players."