Lymington & New Milton boss Ian Robinson believes the arrival of new signing Ben Thomson will be music to the ears of the Fawcett's Field faithful.

Robinson, who has captured Thomson from his former club AFC Totton, said: "It's all about road sweepers and violin players - and Ben is in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for me.

"The road sweepers do all the donkey work whereas the violin players turn it on, bring in the crowds and win you games.

"Ben is a flair player and will make us an attractive side to watch."

Thomson, formerly of Brockenhurst, Bashley and Newport IoW and an AFC Bournemouth trialist, was lured to Fawcett's Field by ex-Brock boss Chris Collinge, who recently joined the Linnets backroom staff.

Robinson, who quit as Totton boss four months ago, added: "It's all down to Chris and I take my hat off to him. Totton won the League Cup and finished third in the table last season and that's why we didn't go after any of their players.

"I know Ben scored a few important goals for Totton last season and in his second game for me when I was manager there, he hit a sensational goal against Christchurch when he ran the full length of the pitch to score.

"That's why we've got him on board and we will be looking for more of the same.

"His touch is superb and he is excellent on the ball.

"The only criticism I would make is that perhaps he doesn't have the same appetite tracking back as he does going forward, but there is no doubting his overall ability and he is a great acquisition for us."

Thomson's departure will come as a further blow for Totton, who have already seen Danny Barker (Andover), Wayne Shaw (Eastleigh) and Darren Curtis (Lymington & NM) walk away from last season's side following delays in finalising the playing budget.

With James Sherrington, Scott Bundy and Neil Morant all spending months overseas, it leaves manager John Robson with some massive gaps to fill, but it's believed the budget he has been given is significantly smaller than last year's.

Robson, who has just got back from holiday, was speaking to the club last night before deciding his future.