7:00am Tuesday 1st July 2008
By Ian Wadley
STEVE Riley has completed the signing of former Cherries youngster James Rowe.
The Bashley boss has made up for the loss of Craig Davis to Sutton by recruiting Rowe from Dorchester on a free transfer.
The 21-year-old, who spent time on loan at Bashley during his spell at AFC Bournemouth, is set to join fellow ex-Cherry Danny Smith, Chris Knowles and Justin Keeler in what promises to be a strong midfield quartet next season.
And Riley couldn't hide his delight, with Rowe becoming the club's third high profile acquisition of the summer following Salisbury pair Nic Eastham and Joe Fisher to the Recreation Ground.
"He had a loan spell here a couple of seasons ago when he was at Bournemouth, which is good," Riley told the Daily Echo.
"Dorchester wanted him to go full-time but he's got a job and wants to play semi-professional, which is why we had a chance.
"I spoke to Shaun Brooks (Dorchester manager) and got the opportunity to sign him. I liked him when he was here on loan but couldn't get him then.
"He can play anywhere across midfield and has got a fantastic engine. He's enthusiastic, a good passer and one of those players who's really busy.
"I'm really looking forward to him getting in and freshening things up for us.
"We've got good depth in there now. It's shaping up quite well."
Bash were denied a second successive promotion when they lost heavily in the Southern League Premier Division play-offs against Team Bath last season.
They will be aiming to put that right this term and begin pre-season training tonight.
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