DORCHESTER Town have “reluctantly” accepted a transfer request from centre-half Charlie Clough.

The defender, who turns 23 tomorrow, signed a new one-year deal with the Magpies at the end of last season.

The team finished the campaign on a high with a record points total in Conference South, but they have endured a torrid start to the new term with no wins from their first five fixtures.

The club say they are “disappointed” with Clough’s decision to submit the request but added that they would only consider an offer for the player that meets their valuation.

A statement from the club said: “It is with regret that the board of directors have to announce that Charlie Clough has today submitted a transfer request, which the club has reluctantly accepted.

“Having rewarded Charlie with an improved contract towards the end of last season and honoured the agreement that should a league club make a bid for the player the club would not stand in his way, the club is naturally upset and disappointed with Charlie’s decision.

“Given the position that the team currently finds itself in, the club has reluctantly accepted the player’s request in the belief that team morale and the desire to turn around the current situation is of the upmost importance.

“The player has now been placed on the transfer list and the club will entertain only those offers that match the club’s valuation of the player.

“The club wish to stress that despite well-documented financial restraints in place this season, the club has no desire to sell the best players and will look to strengthen the team in the coming weeks