DORCHESTER Town chairman Matt Lucas has paid a glowing tribute to Keith Kellaway, who retired last week after 23 years working for the club.

Kellaway, whose playing career with the Magpies was ended prematurely by injury, was one of the Avenue outfit’s longest-serving employees.

After 76 first-team appearances during the 1970s, Kellaway, 65 in August, returned to the club in 1992 under the leadership of the late Peter Aiken.

Kellaway, the club's general manager until last Friday, carried out a number of roles at Dorchester, including 10 years as a director.

Speaking to Echosport about Kellaway’s service to the Magpies over the last two decades and more, chairman Lucas said: “Keith has been a great servant to the club over many years.

“You can’t underestimate what he brought to the club. Keith carried out his daily duties but he went above and beyond for Dorchester Town.

“In my opinion there was no-one better at being the public face of the club when people came on match days and for functions at the ground.

“He has the respect of all the staff, supporters and players, and from a club perspective we are certainly pleased he is going to carry on doing the Dorchester Lottery.”

Meanwhile, Kellaway admitted that the decision to retire was a hard one to make.

“With the job being very hands-on and involving so many aspects of the club’s activities I feel now would be a good time to retire so that arrangements can be put in place ready for next season,” he said.

“There are many changes on the horizon with the club becoming a Community Benefit Society and changes proposed within the bar area, including a skittle alley and new boardroom area, to make it more accessible.

“All these changes require a fresh approach from people who can take these proposals forward into the future.

“I will miss massively the contact with everyone from the chairman, directors, staff and especially all the fans and volunteers who have supported me and the club over many years.

“I hope to be involved in some way in the future and have agreed to carry on running the Dorchester Lottery which brings in much-needed revenue to the club.”

Former Magpies loanee Bradley Tarbuck has been released by Portsmouth.

The 19-year-old was told on Friday he would not be offered a new deal at Fratton Park when his current contract expires next month.