THE Magpies are confident they can keep hold of Nick Crittenden and Jake Smeeton, despite both players attracting interest from other clubs.

Assistant-manager Stuart Heath has described the duo as crucial players and is hopeful they will put pen to paper over the coming weeks.

He told Echosport: “We are working hard on those two and we are hopeful they will stay.

“It is not easy because we are really close to our limit now in terms of the budget, but they are both crucial players for us and I know Phil (Simkin) feels the same.

“We know there is interest from elsewhere but we also believe they want to stay, so hopefully we can get into a position where we can get a suitable deal for them both.”

Budget cuts under the new regime is without doubt going to leave Dorchester with a much smaller squad in Blue Square Bet South, but according to Heath it will still be full of quality.

He added: “We cannot guarantee results but what we can guarantee is that the team will be fit, committed and organised, and ready to do the town proud.

“The club is going in a different direction now and the squad is going to be smaller, but we have still managed to retain a lot of good players and there is a good mixture of experience and youth.

“The fact we still have the likes of Mark Jermyn and Jamie Gleeson is hugely significant, and with exciting prospects like Lewis Morgan and Calvin Brooks coming through, there is a lot to feel encouraged about.

“Having said that, we are going to need some luck with injuries and the loan system is going to be important too.

“We have really good relationships with the likes of Exeter City and AFC Bournemouth and once again that is going to be crucial.”

With the Magpies looking to become a community-owned club, Heath also believes there will never be a better time for young players to make their mark in the county town.

He went on to say: “Youngsters have a real opportunity to come here and push on.

“With the right ambition, determination and drive, chances are there for them, and it’s going to be very interesting to see who steps up to the plate.”