JEZ Bedford believes Poole Town can win Southern League South and insists: “I really hope as a club we can get back to where we should be.”

The former Portsmouth talent this week signed a contract committing to Dolphins for the 2019-20 season.

Bedford joined the Tatnam outfit at the start of last season after a previous loan spell at the club.

He said: “I’m delighted, I can’t wait to get back on the pitch doing what I love doing.

“One of the main reasons for joining is that I want as much playing time to improve myself as much as I can.

“I also believe that we can win the league and it would be great to be a part of that.

“I really hope as a club we can get back to where we should be and that’s the Conference South again.”

The 20-year-old winger made 48 appearances in 2018-19 as Tom Killick’s side reached the Southern League South play-off final before losing in controversial fashion against Met Police.

He also played a key role in Poole’s Dorset Senior Cup success, scoring in the 5-0 win over Wimborne in the final. Dolphins’ pre-season schedule sees them take on Swanage, Merley Cobham, Weymouth, Yeovil Town, Salisbury and a Chelsea XI.

“Hopefully I can improve my game management,” said Bedford. “I want to score more goals and add more assists to my game to push us further up the table.

“I can’t wait to kick on starting in pre-season, the Chelsea game in particular is a great opportunity for us all to test ourselves against a top side.”