GOALKEEPER Shane Murphy has revealed to Echosport that he has once again decided to remain at the Avenue after Poole Town came calling for the second time in as many seasons.

The Poole-based shot stopper had to decide whether or not to switch allegiances to his hometown club, after it was revealed they had put in a seven-day approach for his services.

The Dolphins had previously attempted to swoop for the 22-year-old in February.

Speaking about his decision, Murphy said: “I had a meeting with Jem (Magpies’ player-manager Mark Jermyn) and I am staying. I am not going anywhere.

“Dorchester is a massive club with a very good future with Jem, Critts (Nick Crittenden) and Stu (Stuart Heath) in charge.

"I feel that in this time of my development, game wise and opportunity wise, it was the right decision for me to stay.”

Quizzed about the practicalities of joining Poole, Murphy added: “It is literally two minutes from my house!

“It’s on my doorstep and is my hometown club really but I had to do what was best for me. I just have to trust myself on this one.

“It’s flattering because, let’s face it, they are going to be up there looking for promotion again. It’s nice to be recognised by teams at the top of our league that I am about.”

But with his future decided, Murphy, who helped Dorchester Reserves to a 2-1 triumph at Wimborne in midweek under boss Simon Browne, is eager to earn a first-team call.

“I know Browner from before and I know what he is about. He is a good manager and will do well,” said the county town gloveman, who previously played under Browne at Hamworthy United.

“Obviously his target is to produce players to bring into the first-team. I have no doubt he will go and do that.

“I feel like I have pushed Alan (Walker-Harris, fellow goalkeeper) quite a lot this year so far and I feel I can do even more.

“At the moment I have to be patient and wait for my opportunity. Once I get that opportunity, I have to grasp it with both hands.”

  • Meanwhile, the Magpies have also annnounced that Bradley Tarbuck has signed a contract deal at the Avenue until the end of the season. Striker Mark Irvine has also agreed to dual register with Blackfield & Langley.