DORCHESTER Town have announced that duo Neil Martin and Sean Stewart have agreed terms with the Magpies for next season.

Left-back Martin has made over 300 appearances for the club and continues for another campaign, while holding midfielder Stewart, a former Weymouth player, signs after spells with the Terras plus Blackfield and Langley last term.

Commenting on completing his fifth and sixth deals of the off-season after Kyle Egan, Chris Weale, Billy Lowes and Aaron Rodriguez also signed contracts, boss Steve Thompson was quick to highlight the strengths of both men.

He told Echosport: “Neil had a very strong season and did well. He can play at left-back and centre-back, particularly in a three.

“All players will have people that want them – they have to make a decision. Neil saw that we progressed a lot and is hoping that that continues to this season and that we can challenge at the right end of the table.

“I spoke to a couple of people that I trust and they were very complimentary (about Stewart). I had a face-to-face chat and all things being considered we think that’s the right thing to do.

“With a young squad he brings a lot of experience with his age. In that position he’s a very good replacement (for Gary Bowles)."

Dorchester now have a total of nine players signed on for 2018/19, with Ollie Griggs, Tom Blair and Dom Panesar-Dower also under contract, but Thompson was as yet unconcerned over the size of his squad.

“I’m not worried about that,” he said. “I think a lot of footballers come down to trial out and it doesn’t work out – they don’t get offered anything.

“That’s where the lower clubs circulate and maybe they have to drop down a division.

“I was at Woking and we started the season with only seven signed – on a couple of seasons.

“I think the teams that generally get things in place earlier have an abundance of money. Most teams are not in that position, including us,” he added.

But Thompson conceded his search for an elusive striker was still ongoing, but offered hope on the prospect of signing a fans’ favourite from the previous campaign.

He said: “I spoke to three players, all with experience at higher levels and unfortunately they’re in demand.

“They want to stay with their club or join another club. We just carry on looking and see what we can do. I’ve not hit gold on the striker front – we just keep searching.

“Callum (Rose) is under contract with Plymouth Argyle. We can’t do anything to antagonise that, but things are looking good that he could well be with us next season.”