DEFENDER Ashley Wells revealed he was tempted to make the switch to Dorchester Town this summer, but believes it was the right decision for him to stay with the Terras.

Weymouth announced on Saturday that Wells had agreed a new non-contract deal for next term at the Bob Lucas Stadium, and also claimed the former Portland United full-back had turned down an offer from the Magpies.

Shedding further light on the situation, Wells told Echosport: “I spoke to Dorchester and obviously I knew Stuart (Heath) from when I was at Portland.

“I had a chat with him and Jem (Mark Jermyn) rang me.

“He made me an offer but having been at Weymouth for a few years I want to get promoted.

“It wouldn’t feel right if I went to another team in the same league as well. It’s a bit too close to home.

“I can’t say I wasn’t tempted but once I had spoken to Jason (Matthews) that was it.

“Getting interest from another team is always nice. It’s nice to know that other teams want you and it shows that you are doing something right.”

And on capturing his new deal, the Terras ace, who works in the town, is now determined to see Weymouth push on.

“It’s a club that I want to be at for a while,” he added.

“When I was a kid I used to watch them and I want to get the club back to where it should be. I don’t just want to leave them in the dark.”

Commenting on the retention of Wells’ services, Terras boss Jason Matthews told Echosport: “I felt he had a very good season last year and I’m delighted that he has signed.

“He is another year wiser. Last year we raised the bar and this year it’s about kicking on, and Ash will be a very big part of that.

“We don’t want to lose our local players. We lost Sam (Poole) but Sam chose to leave, Ash never really did want to leave and Dorchester made him a good offer.

“But it shows that Ash is here for the right reasons and we are delighted that he has re-signed.”