PORTLAND United chief Gary Bailey has insisted that he was not actively looking to add to his squad but when the opportunity to land the signing of Jamie Symes came along he could not ignore it.

The island outfit swooped to add the attack-minded midfielder to their ranks from Bridport this week, with Symes being a player the Blues’ boss believes can help “take the club to the next level”.

He told Echosport: “We weren’t actively looking but when a player with Jamie’s calibre comes along and you have a chance to sign him you can't ignore that.

“We were made aware that he could be interested in a move so we moved for him and luckily we were able to persuade him to come.

“It’s a signing that is looking to take the club to the next level.

“He was excited about the challenge that is going on at Portland and we are delighted to get him on board.”

Symes, who is still nursing an ankle problem, will not feature for his new club in their top-two showdown with Amesbury Town in Sydenhams Wessex Division One tomorrow (3pm).

But when he does get himself fit, Bailey predicts Symes will be a key asset in the Blues’ season.

“He will freshen things up and give us an added option," added Bailey. "He will keep people on their toes who are in the squad, not that they haven’t been performing well because they all have."