Dorchester Town have been boosted by the news that Phil Simkin will remain at the club for next season, along with last season’s top scorer Ben Watson.
The news comes as three Magpies leave the Avenue in Nathan Walker, Ashley Nicholls and Sam Malsom.
Simkin admitted he came close to leaving the club but has now agreed a new one-year deal.
He told the Dorset Echo: “When everything with the changes at the club blew up I did think about walking away because I couldn’t see a way forward.
“But at the end of the day, Dorchester is my club and always has been.
“And I’m probably the only one with the contacts in the area that can get us out of the situation we’re in.
“I had to think about my personal situation as well. I turn 60 in a few days’ time and Dorchester will probably be my last job in football anyway.
“If it had been anyone else I wouldn’t have given it a second thought to walk away.
“But I’ve spent most of my career here and made lots of friends and it’s my home.”
Simkin is hopeful Dorchester will also tie down assistant coach Stuart Heath.
He added: “I’m going to talk to the board about Stuart. He deserves a contract as far as I’m concerned.”
Out-of-contract defender Walker has, meanwhile, joined Weymouth and despite being sad to lose the player, Simkin wished him well.
He said: “It is very sad but in this game you have to look after yourself and he was made an incredible offer by Weymouth. I would like to join everyone at the club in wishing him the best – he was a great player for us.”
With regards to Nicholls, he added: “Ash has left the club and has got a new deal somewhere else. I’m very disappointed he is going.
“He has been absolutely outstanding for me over the last couple of years and I’m sorry to see him leave the club.
“He is a Football League player playing non-league football and a very intelligent lad who plays to finance his degree.
“Ash has been terrific for us and is certainly one of the top three midfielders in our league.
“He is quality and class and whoever he joins has got a hell of a player. He was much sought after last summer but stayed with the club.
“I’m sure everyone will join me in thanking him and wishing him all the best for his career.”
And finally on Malsom’s departure: “Sam’s a smashing lad and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Posted: Monday , June 10, 2013