BOSS Matty Holmes believes frontman Jack Lovell has all the attributes to become a Wimborne Town legend – just like his father, Jason Lovell.

Lovell senior helped Magpies win the FA Vase in 1992 and was a hugely popular figure at Cuthbury during his playing days under Alex Pike.

A prolific marksman and fierce competitor, he played for a host of clubs including Bashley, Poole and Havant and was also linked with Leeds and Aston Villa during the late 1980s.

As a youngster, son Jack cut his teeth in the Sydenhams Wessex League before stepping into Southern League West with Wimborne at the start of last season.

And the versatile 24-year-old, who can operate up front and in midfield, has firmly established himself as a first-team regular this season.

Salisbury-born Lovell has started all but one of Wimborne’s 28 league games and netted nine times, including five in their past eight.

He bagged doubles in Magpies’ emphatic wins over Bishop's Cleeve and Cirencester before paving the way for their 3-1 victory at Larkhall five days ago.

Wimborne, whose midweek trip to leaders Taunton was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, host North Leigh at Cuthbury on Saturday (3pm).

Boss Holmes told the Daily Echo: “Jack is very competitive and very good in the air.

“I didn’t really have a chance to see Jason in his prime but people have told me he was a really good centre forward and a legend at Wimborne Town. Jack is heading that way.

“When Toby Holmes was away for a couple of games, Jack played up front and got himself a couple of goals.

“He has played on the left and right and also as a wing-back. He is very versatile and has improved technically since he came to us.

“He seems to be loving his football and is one of the first names on the team sheet.”

Lovell junior joined Wimborne from Bemerton Heath Harlequins having also played in the Wessex League for Christchurch and Verwood Town.

Holmes added: “We had a team night out early last season and Jack was around with some of his friends.

“Our lads knew him well and one of them said to me that he would love to come over. I asked a few people what he was like and it was a no-brainer.

“Although we didn’t get the chance to watch him, I wouldn’t say we took a gamble. We got him over and he hasn’t looked back since.

“He has a good attitude and wants to improve. He is good to have around the dressing room as well and is a wonderful character.

“But the main thing at this level is that you need to be competitive and he has that in his locker.”