MAGPIES’ boss Mark Jermyn revealed he has started talking to his existing players about next season.

Dorchester held a board meeting on Thursday to determine their playing budget for next season and although work still has to be done to finalise their finances, the manager has been given the all clear to mould his squad.

The delay has been caused by the potential closure of the Park and Ride, which could have a big impact on the club.

In April, West Dorset District Council decided not to renew its lease of the Avenue Stadium car park.

But the club claimed that the service is well used and that it is searching for potential partners.

With the club still working to find that partner, this has left Jermyn in the dark about the finances available to him.

But, with this saga nearing its conclusion, the manager will now talk to his squad.

He told Echosport: “Everyone is working hard to rectify the problem (park and ride) and I now have a figure in mind to work towards.

“I will be contacting the players and letting them know our thoughts for the season.

“The club have not given me a definitive figure, but I have a figure in mind and over the next couple of days we can get it sorted.”

Chairman Matt Lucas added that the club are still in talks with people associated with the transport link.

He said: “There is ongoing work and we’re all hoping that something can be arranged.

“We’ve still got a couple more meetings to go and we are doing the best for the club.”

n Portland United are looking for two away friendlies on Saturday, July 9 and Saturday, July 16.