ASSISTANT boss Ashley Vickers insists that Jake Smeeton is “more than sorry” following his court appearance and subsequent fine.

Smeeton was issued with a £400 fine for using threatening words and behaviour during a brawl last May in Weymouth town centre.

Rather than punish the 20-year-old further, Vickers hopes the Magpies’ full-back will learn from the experience and work harder in a bid to become a better player.

He said: “We’ve already spoken to him about it as we knew the court case would be happening. He’s more than sorry for what happened and regrets it deeply.

“He wants to concentrate on getting back to being a good player, which he achieved to an extent at Worcester on Saturday.

“If we can help him overcome this issue then great. The players have got to remember that wherever they are they’ve got to act in the right way because they are representing Dorchester Town Football Club.

“Jake’s sorry, he’s a nice lad and he wants to put it behind him because he’s got the potential to have a good career in football.”

Smeeton only regained his left-back spot recently but has now seen his main rival, Ronayne Marsh-Brown, leave the club for a second time this season.

Marsh-Brown first left in February in the wake of numerous departures, but he returned to the fold a month later with player-manager Roy O’Brien at the helm.

However, four appearances later, the 24-year-old decided to reunite with former Dorchester boss Shaun Brooks at BGB Division One South & West strugglers Winchester City, playing in their 2-0 win over Abingdon on Saturday.

That was to be his one and only appearance for Winch-ester as the left-sided player has now joined Blue Square South rivals Bath City.

Speaking about Marsh-Brown’s departure from the Jewson Stadium, Vickers added: “We all felt, Ronayne included, that it was in his best interest to go elsewhere. He’s got a lot of ability but in terms of attitude his could’ve been a bit better, and the attitude of players is massively important to the future of this club.

“You need flair but if that flair is misguided it can become a hindrance. I wish Ronayne all the best and fingers crossed he’ll go on to good things.”

Another man who could already have played his last game for the Magpies is AFC Bournemouth striker Steve Hutchings.

Vickers said: “Steve will be a good player but the agreement between us and Bournemouth seems to have broken down so I don’t think he’ll be playing for us again.”