PHIL Simkin has labelled the signing of Jack Swann as the "icing on the cake" after capturing the highly-rated Bournemouth Poppies striker.

The Hamworthy United boss has been among the busiest of the Wessex League managers so far this summer with seven additions to the County Ground ranks.

But Simkin believes that the pacy and aggressive forward will add an extra dimension to his attack having already secured fellow strikers Jason Lovell and Carl Chivers.

Simkin told the Daily Echo: "Jack is one of the best young strikers I've seen for years at this level and he's the icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.

"I wanted to make sure we had a goal threat this season and I'm confident we will."

Bournemouth Poppies counterpart James Wood admitted his disappointment to lose Swann, confessing his confusion that he was not prepared to stay and fight for his place.

Wood said: "I'm a little bit disappointed that he didn't want to stay and fight for his place.

"He was very much part of my plans, but we're looking to progress from last season and bring in some extra competition and I think he felt that he would not play as often.

"I would have had no problem if he had gone up a level, but - no disrespect to Hamworthy - I think it is a sideways step for him."

Wood's plans to add to his squad have been dealt another blow after he revealed that wingers James Bailey-Pearce and Gary Langrish have both agreed to join Wimborne Town.

Although Magpies boss Christer Warren was not available for comment, Wood reveal-ed that both players have in-formed him of their decision to quit Victoria Park for Cuthbury.

Wood said: "It's a blow to lose them but we're a victim of our own success to a certain extent. But I find it baffling that they want to leave for a club that finished well below us last season."

Poppies, however, have made two signings in the shape of former Wimborne striker Gareth Barnes and experienced wide man Mark Smith - formerly of Winchester City and Lymington and New Milton - as they look to build on last term's fifth-place finish.