One-time Newcastle triallist and former AFC Wimbledon strike ace of non-league Jason Prior makes Hawks return

The former Newcastle triallist and AFC Wimbledon forward has agreed a one-year deal with an option to return to Westleigh Park having departed Dorking Wanderers following their elevation to the National League via the NLS play-offs.

Portsmouth-based Prior, 33, is a player much-loved by Hawks supporters following a glory-laden previous spell at the club.

The prolific front man was part of successive Isthmian League Premier and National League South title-winning campaigns under then-boss Lee Bradbury – netting 40 times in 57 club appearances – before exiting for Dorking in the summer of 2018.

Hawks currently have a much different look from when Prior was previously at the club with Paul Doswell now boss, as well as a completely different playing squad.

But Prior returns to Westleigh Park determined to repeat his 2017-18 and last season's NLS promotions achievements with Hawks and Dorking respectively next season.

‘As I said, with the players we've got you've got to be brave - as much it's going to be tough (gaining promotion) - that's what we all want to achieve, either winning the league or getting up via the play-offs,’ said returning Hawks striker Prior.

‘That's definitely what I've got in my mind, I'm just looking forward to the hard work starting. From a project point of view, Dos (Paul Doswell) and Bairdy (Ian Baird; assistant manager) have put a great team together - I've never actually played for them - but I've played against a few of their teams so I know what they're all about.

‘I think, with the players that we've got from last season and a couple of new additions, we should have a good season.’

Prior came through the ranks at Wessex League Premier Moneyfields before eventually earning himself an unsuccessful trial with Alan Pardew's Premier League Newcastle in January 2012 having starred for Bognor.

AFC Wimbledon would swoop for the prolific forward just weeks after his temporary period with the Magpies, although a double leg fracture restricted him to just a handful of Football League appearances.

Since then, Prior has won Isthmian League Premier and National League South promotions with both Hawks and Dorking.

Now, upon his return to the Hawks, he explained the attraction in coming back to a club where he enjoyed two promotion-winning campaigns.

Prior added: ‘I think it's quite obvious, really (reasons for return). I live 10 minutes down the road, it's my local non-league club and I've had two great years here previously. Obviously because of that, I've got a great relationship with the fans.

‘I had a great spell at that club as well (Dorking), it's a great club to play for, it's a shame to leave but we achieved what we set out to do. Both parties walk away happy and I'm coming here looking to achieve the same.’