DEFENDER Chris Dillon last night put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Dorchester Town next season.

Magpies' boss Mark Jermyn told Echosport that retaining the services of the centre-back had been one of his top priorities since the county town side's campaign finished.

Dillon was brought to the Avenue by former manager Graham Kemp last September and was an integral part of Dorchester's revival under Jermyn during the second half of the campaign.

"Chris has been one of the standout players this season," said Jermyn.

“I think he is a player who will do really well for us, and not just next season, but looking further into the future as well.

“Chris is a really good character to have in the dressing room and I believe he is someone who we can build our team around."

He went on to add: “Chris has got some great attributes – he is strong, quick and very good in the air.

“He has also got a lot of character and is desperate for the team to do well, and that’s what you want in a player."

Dillon, who has signed a one-year deal, was with Eastleigh before moving to Dorchester on non-contract terms in the autumn of 2014.

He had previously played under Kemp at Christchurch and has also enjoyed spells in the USA, where he took up a scholarship, and Australia.

Jermyn also revealed that he is in talks with other squad members in a bid to tie them down for the 2015/16 season.