CHRISTCHURCH manager Graham Kemp has won the race to sign Marc Fairbrother – but he faces a battle to keep hold of highly-rated youngster Russell Cook.

The Priory boss believes the capture of wing prospect Fairbrother will boost Christchurch as they bid for a top-four finish.

Kemp was last night expected to complete the deal to bring the Bashley teenager to Hurn Bridge and he thinks Fairbrother’s arrival can only help his team as they aim for a strong Wessex Premier finish.

He told the Echo: “Marc’s made it perfectly clear that he wants to join us.

“I think it will strengthen us up.

“There’s still an awful lot of points to play for. We’ve already surpassed last year’s points total. And we don’t need to rely on anyone else, if we win our games we’ll finish fourth.”

Meanwhile, Kemp also has his hands full trying to retain his young stars.

Left-sided talent Michael Green, who has featured for Yeovil Town reserves this term, is the subject of an approach from Conference South strugglers Dorchester Town.

Green is expected to stay and Kemp is also confident that star striker Cook will decline a move to Wessex League leaders Poole Town.

Kemp said: “Poole have put seven days in for Russell Cook but he’s assured me he wants to stay.

“The lads have realised they’ve played 40 to 50 games in the Wessex League and they know they cannot run before they walk.

“It’s a learning curve and I think the boys realise that.”

Priory are without a fixture this weekend.