Dorchester Town boss Phil Simkin is determined to retain the services of university-bound Kyle Critchell.

The Magpies’ full-back, who made 42 appearances last term, is already contracted for the 2012/13 season but will be heading for Bath University this September.

Critchell told Echosport earlier this month that he remained hopeful of maintaining his commitment to the county town cause, and his manager is equally optimistic.

Simkin said: “We are trying to find a way that means he is able to stay. He will be on an intense course and it may be that we have to be a bit flexible with him, but that’s it.

“He has to think about his career after football and we are looking to support him. We are working hard to find a solution.”

Asked if the club would have to consider selling the 25-year-old, Simkin replied: “That would be a last resort and not something that I want to see happen.”

Meanwhile, former Dorchester defender Gary Bowles has been offered a new one-year deal at AFC Bournemouth.

Bowles has yet to feature for the Cherries’ first team since joining last August but newly appointed boss Paul Groves believes the 23-year-old has shown enough “potential” to warrant a fresh contract.