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‘That’s promotion sorted’ – 8th tier club announce ‘huge’ signing in legendary non league striker

‘That’s promotion sorted’ – 8th tier club AFC Portchester announce ‘huge’ signing in legendary non league striker Jason Prior.

The 37 year old has had quite the career, mostly spent at Dorking Wanderers, but his career started out at AFC Newbury in 2005, then other clubs followed including Moneyfields, Bognor Regis, AFC Wimbledon, Dartford, Gosport, Margate and Havant & Waterlooville.

AFC Portchester finished the Isthmian League South Central Division sitting 5th with 73 points from 42 games played, but lost to Westfield in the playoff semi final (7-6p after a 1-1 draw).

In 2025/26, he scored 9 goals for Dorking, who are 2 leagues above in the National League South, where they finished 4th with 79 points from 46 games, but lost 4-2 to Torquay in the playoff semi final.

The club said in a statement:

AFC Portchester have signed legendary non-league striker Jason Prior.

‘JP9’ moves to the Royals following his departure from National League South side Dorking Wanderers at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

He needs no introduction to non-league football fans in the south of England following successful spells at Havant and Waterlooville and Bognor Regis Town. His career took off in the Wessex League at AFC Newbury and Moneyfields.

He has played in the EFL for AFC Wimbledon and in early 2012 he was taken on trial by Premier League side Newcastle United, and he scored for the Geordies’ reserves during three weeks with the North East giants.

Prior has also had spells with Dartford and Margate in a career that has seen the forward shine at the top end of non-league football.

Dorking boss Marc White heaped praise on his departing striker earlier this month, who had scored over 100 goals in 200-plus appearances for the Surrey club.

He netted over 150 goals during his spells with Bognor and scored over 50 times across two periods with Havant.

His stunning arrival at The OnSite Group Stadium is the first new signing Portchester boss Gav Spurway has made ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

He is sure to become an instant favourite with the Royals Army when he pulls on the famous orange shirt in the season ahead.

You can make sure you are there to watch Prior in action by purchasing a season ticket for the 2026-27 campaign.

Please click HERE to buy your AFC Portchester season ticket.

Dorking’s Marc White said: “I’d love you all to watch this three and a half minute video of the greatest striker ever to play for Dorking Wanderers and one of non league’s number one all-time top players on Jason Prior. Club Legend. I’d love to watch it all to the end, you die-hard Wanderers fans and supporters of non league football.

“Jason’s given 20 years to non-league football. You know with Dorking Wanderers, like we appreciate players more than anybody. Jason Prior, family man, leader of men.

“Sometimes there’s certain things about players you never quite know because you might not see it.

“But in the training room, the best character you could ask for, he’d want to win at all costs.

“Prior would be loyal. Whenever the going got tough, Prior got going. And you knew you could rely upon him.

“He’s a multiple winner.

“People talk about players that have scored multiple goals in the non-league. Prior has got more promotions on his CV than anybody.

“All the levels he played. National League, the bigger the game. Prior, his will to win was incredible.

“Even recently in the Maidenhead play-off game. 38 years old, the best player on the pitch.

“We pay £15,000 for Jason, and it’s the best money Dorking Wanderers has ever spent.

“He taught me a lot about the type of character that you want in football.

“Unquestionably unbelievable in both boxes.

“Over his time at Dorking, multiple managers would ring me from League Two, National League and say, can I buy Jason? Can I take him off you?

“One of my most respected men in the game. Prior gave his all for Dawkins, one of us. I’m going to miss him. I know the fans will.

“He’s going to be going to a football retirement home soon. But for what you’ve done for Dorking, Jase, incredible.

“I’m so glad to be part of your journey and so are the fans. He’s an absolute club legend.”

Here’s the social media reaction as the 8th tier club announce a ‘huge’ signing in a legendary non league striker…

@jane36london: That’s you guys winning promotion then… (take good care of him pls) 💔

@LukeyFFC: What an absolute waste 🤦🏻‍♂️ No disrespect to Portchester atall but he is way better than to play in that league 😬 Fair Play lads

@ryan_tee: Go get promoted next season

@bazzio14: What a signing this is by the way. All the best

@ChappsRyan2000: Wow. Wow wow.

@KsOllieU: 😮😮😮😮😮😮 That’s some singing

@James32671835: What a signing you got there!! Nice bloke and top baller

@wilbs12: Top signing ✍️ ⚽️⚽️

@turkwav: Gonna rip up step 4

@NickBailey86: Outrageous in that league.

@IanJone86116479: Welcome Jason. The fans are excited to see you in Portchy colours. Cannot wait for the new season now. 🍊

@Coach_CJPrice: All the best Jason ! Non league legend 👏🏼

@MattTooze: Good luck JP you will be great!

@FlynnRyanUK: Dorking wanderers without big JP throwing himself at the ball, this don’t sit well with me, going to have to consider my life choices

@jane36london: The offer stands to drive him back myself 😢

@JasonWeir686396: We have to move oo marc ,onwards and upwards 🟡⚫️

@tobias_WHU: Jason prior joining porchester is huge kinda hope he came back home to the rocks but he’s gonna be a beast in this league good luck @AFCPortchester hopefully we can make a couple more good signings @rocks1883 💚💚💚

@boardroom70: Great to see @JasonPrior1 back in Pompey and a marquee signing. Well done @AFCPortchester 👏

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