MATT McKee is the player Swindon College Old Boys believe could make a big impression on Dorset & Wilts One in their 40th year.

College, who play at the Nationwide sports ground, landed a major recruitment coup in the summer when Wootton Bassett man McKee approached them wanting a move.

One of a trio of new signings, McKee's giant 6ft 8in frame could prove a powerful weapon in the Old Boys' promotion bid especially as he has switched from the wing position to a pivotal back row role.

College skipper Greig O'Brien admitted: "Matt coming here was a key move for us.

"It was totally out of the blue. I've known Matt for a few years and he came up to me and said he would like to sign on.

"He jumped at the chance really and he's already proved to be a big hit.

'He's young, big and hard to bring down a player you can almost base your game around.''

McKee's talents in the back row will be supplemented by fellow newcomer Brett George.

The talented youngster has taken a gap year from studying engineering at Cardiff University and is another useful acquisition.

Johan Cloete, meanwhile, has joined College's talented back division and his centre partnership with O'Brien promises to be among the most potent in the division.

College, who begin their campaign with a home clash against Sherborne on Saturday, were another club to feel the flip side of the league restructuring.

They were demoted from Southern Counties South despite finishing clear of the supposed relegation places last season.

Yet looking at the new make-up of that division, O'Brien believes his side's 'misfortune' could turn into a blessing in disguise.

"Initially, it was a big slap in the face,'' said the skipper.

"To have that happen a month after the season had finished was a real downer, especially when you see that sides like Westbury and Calne, who we have beaten well, went up.

"On reflection though, Southern Counties is such a hard league to remain in.

"Bournemouth and Redingensians are there, and Oakmedians have remained.

"This way, we have the chance to rebuild and restructure.''

He added: "We played Corsham (also in Dorset & Wilts One) last year and beat them twice in two close games.

"Trowbridge were also a hard, physical side.

"But we beat them convincingly last season and only the trip to Weymouth, with all that entails a long journey down there, is a bit of an unknown quantity.''

"We are quietly confident about the whole situation.''