DORCHESTER Town goalkeeper Chris Weale believes there are “exciting times” ahead at the Avenue Stadium after extending his stay with the Magpies into the 2018/19 season.

Weale, who captained Dorchester in the latter part of the previous term, made 49 appearances for the Magpies in his debut campaign, keeping 11 clean sheets in the process.

The former Leicester City and Yeovil Town stopper was one of four players to commit to boss Steve Thompson’s side alongside Billy Lowes, Kyle Egan and Aaron Rodriguez this week.

Weale revealed to Echosport that talks with his family had finally persuaded him to sign with the club for the coming year.

He said: “I’m really pleased. I was impressed with what the manager said over the summer and it’s exciting times at the club because of the 3G pitch.

“I spoke to a few people I know, and to my wife, and they said I’d be crazy not to sign because of what’s going to happen at the club next season.”

Weale, who was released in early 2017 by Championship side Derby County before joining Dorchester last summer, admitted he was shocked by the competitive standard having dropped down five tiers.

He said: “I was surprised.

“The level and the standard was a lot better than I thought in terms of the quality of the opposition and the quality of the players.

“Not enough people realise and appreciate that at this level there are some very good players and some good football being played.

“We’re blessed in this country with so many leagues and so many people that play football compared to other countries, the standard is good.”