WESSEX League Cup holders AFC Totton have beaten off hot competition for former AFC Bournemouth and Winchester City centre-back Dave King.

VT FC, Lymington & New Milton and King's former club Brockenhurst are all believed to have been fighting it out for his signature, but the talented 19-year-old has committed his future to Testwood Park where he will join former Winchester youngsters like Mike Gosney and Matt Troon.

"When we played Brockenhurst last season, Dave was superb," recalled Totton's assistant manager Sean New. "He was head and shoulders above anyone else in their side.

"It wasn't until he came to sign for us that I realised I used to play Sunday football with his dad!"

Having graduated through the Winchester youth ranks, King progressed to AFC Bournemouth in 2003. But after making a handful of appearances for Cherries' reserve side two seasons ago, he returned to Wessex football last summer, first with old club Winchester and then with Brockenhurst.

"For a 19-year-old, he's a very accomplished player," said New. "He's still quite raw and green but he's one for the future and I think we can work with him and make him an even better player in years to come.

"When we heard that several other clubs were in for him, we nipped it in the bud and signed him straight away."

Totton have also swooped for 16-year-old midfielder Lewis Gundry following his release from AFC Bournemouth.

"He's a major talent who's turned down Bristol Rovers," reported New.