POOLE Town have bolstered their attacking line with the acquisition of striker Tom Hewlett.

The ex-Burton Albion forward, 22, managed just two appearances for the Brewers and was shipped out on loan to eight clubs in five years.

And, despite being offered a new contract with the Sky Bet League One club, he turned Albion down in favour of Poole, ending a long association with a club he joined at age 11.

Hewlett told Poole’s media team: I’m absolutely buzzing to sign for Poole Town. It was an opportunity as soon I knew was available, I jumped at.

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"The challenge really excites me and I’m really looking forward to playing under a manager who has such pedigree and the direction the club is heading is something I really want to be a part of.”

Hewlett spent time on loan with Hednesford twice, Rushall, Redditch twice, Belper, Leamington, Hereford, Long Eaton United and Stratford Town.

Arguably his most successful stint in that time came at Leamington in the National League North during the 2022/23 season, netting three goals in 10 games.

Hewlett was never sent out to a club below Step 3, meaning Poole have a player already familiar with the standard required.

Manager Steve Tully added: “Absolutely delighted to get Tom on board after we found out he wanted to move back home to Bournemouth.

“It was a no brainer, he adds a different dimension to the front line, it allows me to play two up top with Toby and Jack and also brings competition for places which is really important.”

Hewlett has also faced adversity in his career, recovering following surgery from a broken tibula in the 2020/21 season.

Hewlett is the sixth new addition to the Dolphins' squad this summer, following the arrivals of Jake McCarthy, Jack Hoey, Antonio Diaz, Tyrique Clarke and Charlie Davis.