DORCHESTER Town manager Tom Killick has outlined his desire to keep left-back Ollie Haste at the Avenue Stadium for 2024/25.

Haste, 20, missed only five games of the Pitching In Southern League Premier South campaign and has been an ever-present for the Magpies in the Killick era.

The defender played 41 times for Dorchester, scoring three goals, in an impressive loan season from parent club Yeovil Town.

However, the Glovers announced Haste would not be retained beyond the summer and his free-agent status is major draw for the Magpies.

On the prospect of keeping Haste, Killick told Echosport: “Hastey has been amazing.

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"He’s started every game since I’ve been at the club.

“I can’t recall any occasions where he’s been taken off, so in terms of minutes played the lad has pretty much played every minute of every game.

“That in itself speaks volumes for his attitude and resilience. On top of that, he’s improved, in my view, week on week since I arrived.

“I’ve been honest with him. When I first arrived I did feel it looked like he had a few rough edges.

“He’s just got better and better to a point where he’s been absolutely central and integral to what we’ve done recently.

“On top of that, he’s just a brilliant lad. So, if there is any chance of us keeping him, we will.

“The only stumbling block I can see is that he’s originally from north Devon and at the moment he’s been in digs provided by Yeovil.

“That falls away and then we’ve suddenly got a player based in north Devon.

“He’s keen to stay and I’m very keen for him to stay. We’ve already had discussions and I’ve got to speak to his agent.

“If there’s any way we can keep him, we will.”

Killick also felt Yeovil’s promotion to the National League may have played a part in Haste’s release from Huish Park.

He added: “Is it in his interests to carry on, on a full-time basis, if he’s not figuring in Yeovil’s first-team plans?

“Is he better off playing part-time and trying to start establishing himself in terms of other things? That’s always the dilemma for these young players.

“But it’s not for me to speculate on what Yeovil should or shouldn’t have done.

“You have to remember there’s going to be two leagues difference, so that’s a big jump. Perhaps they felt there wasn’t going to be a great opportunity for him to get game time.

“So, rather than keep hold of him and loan him out, they’re allowing him to make his own way.

“He’s been with Yeovil training every day so you have to respect their decision.

“I just feel if he carries on as he’s been going, I’m sure good things will happen for him in the future.”