MARK Jermyn could not be happier at this moment in time, insisting he is once again playing with a smile on his face.

The Dorchester Town captain has been on an emotional rollercoaster in recent seasons, seeing the Magpies stave off the threat of relegation on a number of occasions – once via a reprieve.

But the outlook is much brighter this term, according to the 29-year-old, who is aiming for a top-half finish in Blue Square Bet South.

He told Echosport: “Anything above 10th would be considered a brilliant season for me, particularly off the back of previous seasons.

“One good thing is that we always seem to do better after Christmas so hopefully we can kick on and have a good season. There’s no reason why we can’t finish in the top half.

“Hopefully we can also have a run in the FA Trophy and bring more money into the club.”

Jermyn also believes the current set-up at the Avenue Stadium is reminiscent of the good old days.

He added: “There have been times over the last four or five seasons where neither the supporters or the backroom staff have known what’s been going on.

“But thankfully Shaun Hearn has stepped in and he is 100 per cent behind the club and we’re lucky that he’s the chairman.

“We’ve got Ashley Vickers, who loves his football, as manager and we’ve got players that want to play for the club.

“Previously we had so many people who just came and went without being bothered about the club or its history. That’s not the case anymore and it’s been a long time coming.

“There were times previously when I didn’t enjoy playing as much, as you didn’t know if you were coming or going.

“This is the first season in a while where I’m really starting to enjoy it again – I’m enjoying the fact that we are playing well as a team.

“Everyone’s working hard for each other and long may it continue. I hope this group of players can stay together for a while as it’s got potential.

“We’ve finally got back to what this club used to be – a good club followed by good supporters – and it’s like going back to the old days again.”

The county town stalwart is just 33 shy of a remarkable 500 appearances in Dorchester colours, so is well placed to cast judgement on the efforts of current boss Ashley Vickers, who has now been at the helm for a full year.

He said: “Ash is not a technical manager who gets bogged down with how to carve teams open. And that’s not being critical or anything as at this level you need to get the team behind you 100 per cent and get them working hard.

“If you can do that you will win more games than lose, and that’s exactly what he’s achieved.

“A couple of seasons ago, Hayes & Yeading were not the best team technically but they were good at what they did, and that is why they went up.”

Jermyn missed out on making his 468th outing for the club on Saturday due to a frozen Avenue Stadium pitch.

He added: “I think everyone was looking forward to it as the games can’t come quick enough at the moment. Everyone is playing so well as a team, not just individually.”

The Magpies are due to host Magna Dorset Premier League side Poole Borough in the quarter-finals of the Dorset Senior Cup tomorrow night (7.45pm).