MAGPIES boss James Stokoe believes the facilities at the New Cuthbury have proven to be the deciding factor in beating local rivals to the capture of players this summer.

After relegation from the Southern League Premier South last term, Wimborne find themselves in a very local-looking Division One South, with neighbours in both Dorset and Hampshire.

AFC Totton, Sholing and Lymington all competed in the eighth-tier league last term, whilst Hamworthy United and Bashley earnt promotion from the Wessex Premier to secure their place in the Southern League.

Whilst it is no secret that Wimborne have decent backing following their change of ownership last year, AFC Totton and Bashley have been active in the market as well.

Despite no longer sharing a division with nearby sides Dorchester, Poole, Salisbury and Gosport, most of the teams in Dorset and Hampshire across the Southern League's two divisions often find themselves shopping in the same market as each other.

Reflecting on the trials and tribulations on the transfer market, Stokoe told the Daily Echo: "Obviously there's a few local teams now in the league we're in.

"Bashley seem to be spending quite well and Totton always do.

"There's a lot of clubs looking for the same sort of players, but, luckily we have got a lovely facility, which certainly helps players make a decision.

"It’s not easy - some of the players we were speaking to took two, three, four weeks to look at their options and make their final decisions about coming over.

"But, yeah, I think the ground has certainly helped in trying to persuade players to come over to us."

Wimborne were quick off the mark when it came to their summer business, with 17 players signed on before a ball was kicked in pre-season training.

When asked if perhaps Magpies were now missing out on players that became available later on in the window, Stokoe remained happy with the club's recruitment.

"I don’t think you can solely focus on waiting and waiting, hoping that the right player becomes available, and you miss out others," he mentioned.

"I think we’ve gone about it how we feel is the right way, getting the core of the squad together and settled for the start of pre-season.

"That allows them to spend a few weeks together before the season starts, rather than hoping that somebody from a higher level becomes available, and he’s not really got any other options left so he comes to us.

"We’re happy with the way we’ve done it this summer."