MARK Rawlinson should be available for Dorchester's decider against King's Lynn on Saturday after putting his signature to a two-year contract at the Avenue Stadium last night.

The former Manchester United player, who once lined up alongside men like David Beckham and Gary Neville in youth teams at Old Trafford and still keeps in touch with them, had been ineligible to play for the Magpies in their final game because his 92-day temporary transfer from Weymouth runs out on Friday.

But after reaching agreement on terms with manager Mark Morris, the 25-year-old midfielder last night signed a permanent contract that secretary David Martin believes will enable him to face the Linnets in what promises to be a rousing finale to a terrific season for the Magpies.

"I spoke to the FA and Southern League because the situation is somewhat complicated and of course the deadline for ordinary transfers passed sometime ago," said Martin today. "Both said it was okay for Mark to play on Saturday if the transfer from Weymouth was made permanent and after Geoff Butler agreed to give him a free transfer the move was completed.

"After doing the paperwork I will be checking again with the league secretary just to be on the safe side, but hopefully there will be no problems."

Morris, who was beaten in a race for Rawlinson's signature by then Terras boss Fred Davies after he was released by Exeter City two seasons ago, said he was delighted to finally get his man.

"He came here on loan at a time when we were struggling for form just after Christmas," said Morris today. "Though we were beaten in his debut game at Stamford, we haven't lost in 16 league games since then and that speaks for itself.

"He took a couple of games to settle in because it is not easy suddenly joining a team where you don't know anyone. But now he's proving invaluable and with his experience he will be very useful to have around in the Premier Division next season."

Terras boss Butler said it was still a mystery to him why Rawlinson had failed to impress at the Wessex Stadium this season.

"Technically he is a very good player with a terrific engine and although I played him in his favourite central midfield position he just didn't deliver," said Butler. "He didn't exert any influence at all and when I spoke to him he agreed he was not playing well, though he didn't know why either.

"It was very disappointing - but I wish him the best of luck at Dorchester and I am sure he will do very well for them."

n Morris said today that rumours linking him with Weymouth were "complete news to me".

He said: "I haven't heard anything and all my mind is on at the moment is winning the title on Saturday.

"I enjoy my job at Dorchester but I am ambitious and in all honesty I could never rule out a move."