DORCHESTER Town captain Mark Jermyn is to leave the club after rejecting the offer of a new contract, it was revealed last night.

Jermyn, who holds the record for the number of appearances in the black and white of Dorchester, is set to sign a one-year deal with Poole Town.

The 33-year-old joined the Magpies from Torquay United in 2000 and played for the county town club more than 600 times in that period.

The club offered Jermyn a new contract but last night confirmed that he had turned it down.

With Dorchester and Poole set to square up in the Southern Premier League next season it won’t be long before Jermyn comes face-to-face with his former club.

Reacting to the news, Magpies’ boss Phil Simkin said: “Mark has been a great servant to this club over the years and a pleasure to work with.

“We respect his decision and wish him well as he moves on to a fresh, new challenge.”

Meanwhile, a statement by the club on their official website said: “Mark has been a fantastic player for the club, giving 100 per cent every time he turned out in the shirt, and will be greatly missed.

“We would like to thank Mark for his hard work, dedication and service to the club and wish him the very best for the future.”

Speculation over Jermyn’s future had been rife in the weeks leading up to his departure as supporters waited to see whether he would stay with the club following their relegation last season.

Jermyn enjoyed a number of high points during his career at the Avenue, no more so than the famous FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle.

However, what turned out to be his last season with the Magpies was a massively disappointing one with the side losing their Conference South status.