WEYMOUTH director of football Paul Maitland admits the versatility of new signing Tony Lee was a key factor in the Terras’ bid to lure him from AFC Totton.
Lee, 21, most often classed as a forward, can play in a range of positions, including out wide or as a wing-back.
Maitland is also relishing the prospect of developing the former Stag, who is eager to begin his Weymouth career.
On the ex-Dorchester Town man, Maitland told Echosport: “I’ve watched Tony’s career over the last three years and seen him develop. He’s got better as he’s got older and he’s only 21. He fits the right age we’re looking at.
“Physically he’s a good specimen, he looks after himself and we can do a lot more with him to develop him further as a player.
“A lot of people have him down as a forward. We see him as being able to give us a couple of extra options out wide and as a wing-back. He’s a player that we view we can do a lot with.
“He’s excited to be able to work with us so it seems like a good fit all round. He’s very keen to get going and we’re keen to start working with him.”
Maitland also insisted Lee is not joining the Bob Lucas Stadium outfit to bolster squad numbers.
He said: “He fits with his physicality and his fitness levels are good. He’s had a good education with Totton who do things quite similar to us.
“He’s moved into the area and the fact that he can play more than one position is important as we have to have that versatility in our squad so we can change things in a game.
“We think he will do that and he’s not coming to make the numbers up – we see him strengthening the squad.”
Lee’s move continues a productive off-season for the Terras, who have already moved to secure the likes of club captain Ashley Wells, Stephane Zubar and Josh Carmichael among others for next season.
Maitland said: “We sat down before the end of the season and spoke about the next season and put together action plans. We’ve got one in play for the Southern League but we don’t need to make masses of changes.
“Ninety-seven points normally would have got us winning the league. We’re comfortable that we’re not a million miles away from being competitive for a promotion spot again.
“We’ll do one or two things to improve the squad – that’s what we’re doing at the moment.
“We’re pleased to have done a lot of our business early and retained last season’s squad. We’re looking forward to improving on last season’s and seeing where it takes us.”
