JASON Matthews has admitted he turned down the chance of an emotional return to Weymouth in order to complete his move to rivals Dorchester Town.

The veteran keeper joined the county town outfit earlier this month, becoming Phil Simkin’s first signing of the close season.

And while the Terras were also keen to sign the 37-year-old, who left the Bob Lucas Stadium four years ago, Matthews opted for the higher-ranked Magpies.

Discussing his options, the former Bath City man told Echosport: “It was a bit of a tough decision as I could have gone back to Weymouth.

“I had a big decision to make but at the end of the day I want to play at the highest standard possible.

“When you’ve got a club like Weymouth close to your heart it’s always a tough decision but Conference South is where I want to play and Phil came across really well when I met him, so that was it for me – it was a no-brainer.

“For no real reason it didn’t really work out at Bath so it was time to move on.

“I needed a fresh challenge and I was even contemplating going into coaching, but Phil came along and said the right things.”

Despite his strong links with the Terras, Matthews is hopeful he can become a fans’ favourite at the Avenue Stadium.

He added: “I know quite a few of the lads already as I played with the likes of Nick Crittenden, Kyle Critchell and Nathan Walker at Weymouth.

“At the end of the day, if you play well the fans will like you regardless of where you’ve been. If you don’t play well they won’t, and there’s certainly no hiding place when you’re in goal.”

Last term’s tally of 56 points was the Magpies’ best return in seven seasons – a feat that impressed their latest addition.

Matthews said: “They did enormously well last season and they will do well to achieve the same again next season.

“It’s a tough league and you’ve got to be ready for it but I know Phil has been keen to keep the existing squad and strengthen at the same time.”

With fellow gloveman Alan Walker-Harris recovering from a broken leg, Matthews is almost certain to don the number one jersey when the 2012/13 campaign gets underway.

But the latter knows he will have a fight on his hands once the former regains full fitness.

Matthews added: “I don’t really know the lad yet but, whatever the situation, you always have to be willing to fight for your place, and I’m always up for a challenge.”