DORCHESTER Town midfielder Billy Lowes believes the Magpies are “going places” after he signed a new deal to remain at the Avenue Stadium for the 2018/19 season.

Lowes, who was the Magpies’ third-top scorer last campaign with seven strikes, agreed terms with Dorchester for next season alongside Chris Weale, Kyle Egan and Aaron Rodriguez.

Ollie Griggs, Tom Blair and Dom Panesar-Dower are also contracted with the Magpies.

Lowes, 21, also referenced the “community” feel at the county town outfit as a major contributory factor towards his decision to remain with boss Steve Thompson’s side.

He told Echosport: “I think the club’s definitely going places with the 3G for next season. I think that’s going to be a big push for us. And just the club in general, with the community and everything it’s going to be worth staying at Dorchester.”

But Lowes’ “main reason” for remaining at Dorchester was Thompson who, like Lowes, was a central midfielder as a player.

Lowes is now looking to learn from the Magpies’ boss, saying: “My main reason for staying is because of Tommo. He was central midfield player and I think I can learn a lot from him. Me only being 21, he can help me a lot through my football career and over the next year.”

Lowes also backed Thompson to improve on last season, with the Dorchester boss readying the side through pre-season for the first time.

He said: “I think Tommo will do well.

“With the lads we had last year, if we can keep the majority of them together, you saw at the end of last year how well we did.

“I think we can definitely push on. We should just aim high and see how we get on.”