'Door is open' to star keeper

By [hmilton]

ASHLEY Vickers is not concerned about the lack of news surrounding the future of Dorchester's first-choice keeper Gareth Stewart. And the Magpies' assistant-boss admitted the club may have to look elsewhere for a second gloveman to join youngster Regan Coward if Stewart does not take up the offer of a new contract.

Dorchester returned to pre-season training on Tuesday with former AFC Bournemouth and Luton Town keeper Mark Ovendale among the attendees.

Vickers said: "We are still waiting on Gareth. He knows what a quality player we think he is but we can only offer him what we can afford. The gaffer (Roy O'Brien) has left the door open for him. We are still great fans of Gareth but understand he has to do what is right by him and his family.

"There are other keepers for whom Dorchester might represent a fantastic opportunity. Someone like Regan has got massive potential and it might be the right time for him to step up to the plate.

"Whoever else we do get in, Regan needs to make the most of their experience. Mark is still in great shape. He may or may not come in a playing capacity; we will have to see. It was fantastic to have him at training. His experience speaks for itself."

Another trialist to make an appearance was Bideford forward Ben Wood. "He looks very sharp and good over the ground," said Vickers. "He is trying his luck with us and is making all the right noises at the moment. There is still a long way to go with him but the gaffer liked him and so did I."

Five under-18 players – Jamie Hopkins, Connor Flood, Sam Filkins, Adam Taylor and Jamie Symes – also joined in with training.

Vickers reckons clubs will be in a powerful position as the season nears. He said: "Things have changed with the economic climate. There are lots of players who have not got clubs. It is a positive because the clubs are in the driving seat. Contracts are not being given out easily. Players really have to prove themselves and cut their cloth which will enable them to play in Blue Square South."

Meanwhile, former Dorch striker Jamie Mudge has decided against joining Bath City. "He knows where we are," said O'Brien.