MAGPIES’ chairman Matt Lucas believes there is a “good nucleus” of players at the Avenue Stadium as the club turns its attentions to pre-season.

With Dorchester’s summer signings tally currently standing at 14, Lucas was quick to recognise the effort being put in by everyone at the club.

He said: “Obviously the football management have been busy. They have been looking at players that they want to bring in.

“Shaun Hearn has worked very hard on the footballing side as well. I think it’s coming together quite nicely. We’ve got a good nucleus and a good mix of youth and experience.”

One of the management’s aims this season has been to construct a local impression at the club and Lucas feels that giving a chance to players from the area is “how it should be.”

He told Echosport: “The fact that some local players have been invited to come along is good and it’s how it should be. Sometimes clubs look a little bit further away.

“You’ve got to look at how far players have to travel. It’s important that everyone attends the training sessions and to have that local feel across the club.

“It’s good for players locally. If they do well and are determined they have something to aim for with regards to playing at a higher level,” he added.

“It shows players that we know have got talent are not unknown in the area. It’s a chance for them which we are able to give. It bodes well, there seems to be a very good squad being assembled.”

Commenting on the management team, which welcomed Trevor Senior as assistant-manager in May, Lucas highlighted the significance of a smoothly-run operation.

“I think we will see a lot more of Craig (Laird, manager) in training this year. He’s a very experienced coach.

“With Trevor and Stuart Heath they will obviously take on certain roles that need to be done on a daily basis. We’ve got to have an organised management team to get the best out of our players,” he said.