PHIL Simkin has hailed his Magnificent Seven as he saddles up his Hamworthy United side for next season.

The Hammers boss has completed the signings of veteran striker Jason Lovell, Poole Town defender Steve Gilbert and highly-rated Bridport winger Richard Jackson as United aim to make an assault on the Sydenhams Premier Division next term.

With Bridport goalkeeper Martin Peters in the bag, Simkin's capture of Bournemouth Poppies Dan Baguley, and the ex-Poole Town duo of Carl Chivers and Ryan Woolfenden gives him a wealth of exciting new talent at his disposal.

Simkin told the Daily Echo: "On paper, we have considerably more goal threat about us for the new season and I'm really pleased with how the close season has gone.

"I've worked hard over these past few weeks, but I knew I had to because we needed some major changes to the squad. We just weren't strong enough last season.

"I'd say we are at least 75 per cent better than we were already."

While much-travelled Lovell will bring a healthy dose of experience to the ranks, Simkin believes he will be a important figure.

He chuckled: "I think I've still got the scars from when I played against Jason!

"I'd certainly rather have him with me than against me.

"He's still hungry to play at this level and he's as fit as a fiddle."

Steady central defender Gilbert returns for a second spell at the County Ground having left two seasons ago, while Simkin is delighted to have secured a "dark horse" in 19-year-old left-winger Jackson.

He said: "He goes past people for fun and not too many managers will know all that much about him down this way."

Meanwhile, defender Brett Williams' long service for the Hammers is to be recognised with a testimonial match against a Portsmouth XI on Wednesday July 18 (7.45pm).

The centre-back has been at Hamworthy for 12 years and is one of the few survivors from when the club rose from the Dorset Premier League into Wessex League football.

Simkin said: "Lots of players deserve testimonials and never get them so I'm really pleased we've been able to arrange this for Brett.

"He's a smashing lad and we'd like to thank everyone at Portsmouth for making it happen."a