Symes' stepping stone (From Dorset Echo)

Symes' stepping stone

8:15am Monday 14th January 2013 in Sport By David Williams, Sports Reporter

JAMIE Symes says he will use his loan spell at former club Bridport to prove that he is worthy of a place in the Dorchester Town first team.

The 19-year-old admitted his confidence took a hit after failing to hold down a regular spot in Phil Simkin’s side but reckons going back to St Mary’s Field is just what he needs right now.

Having helped the Bees win promotion from Division One of the Toolstation Western League in 2011, Symes made the move to the Avenue but illness and injury have limited his chances to impress.

But, now back to near full fitness, the teenager, who does not turn 20 until June, is eager to return to the sort of form that once earned him a trial at Blackpool.

“It’s good to be playing for a team and manager I know well and hopefully I can help them out,” Symes told Echo-sport.

“They are a good club and I’ve known Trevor for years. He’s a manager who can really boost your confidence.

“He’s given me the chance to play in the position I enjoy and I want to be successful for him and the club.

“I haven’t been getting a run of games at Dorchester so it’s a chance to prove myself to Phil and go back a more confident player.

“He’ll be looking at how I’m doing and I want show him that I can do a job on the pitch.”

He added: “I’ve had a few stints in the first team at Dorchester but haven’t been able to hold down a place.

“There have been a few managers while I’ve been there and they’ve brought new faces in.

“My confidence definitely took a knock but you have to keep telling yourself you can do it and when you get a chance you have to take it.”

The Magpies’ trip to East-bourne Borough in Blue Square Bet South on Saturday was postponed because of the wet weather so Simkin’s men will go again tomorrow night when Dover Athletic visit the Avenue (7.45pm).

Meanwhile, long-serving club secretary David Martin has announced that he is stepping down from his role at the club after 12 years.

“The position of secretary gets harder and harder each season and as a consequence it also becomes more time consuming,” he said.

“It is a voluntary position and I now feel I need more time to myself and for my job where I find I have to do more work at home and at evenings and weekends.

“I have told Shaun Hearn (chairman) that I am happy to stay on as a director and to train a new secretary as well as giving the person support throughout the year.”