NEW Dorchester Town captain Gary Bowles admits he was “buzzing” when manager Craig Laird asked him to take on the captaincy this season.

But the Magpies defender, who has previous leadership experience while in the youth ranks at Yeovil Town, is under no illusion as to the scale of his new task.

He told Echosport: “I was absolutely over the moon. It’s a big responsibility but I think I’m capable to take it on. I was absolutely buzzing when Craig asked me.

“When I was younger I was captain of Yeovil youth team but obviously this is Dorchester Town and a completely different thing.”

Skipper Bowles also revealed that his team-mates are in good shape after their pre-season exploits going into their first league game against Banbury United on Saturday.

“Everyone is fit and ready to go, we’ve been in quite a lot. We’ve done the Weymouth beach run and everyone’s fit and sharp so the pre-season has gone pretty well, better than I expected. It’s the fitness we’re looking for the most,” he said.

With Dorchester bringing in several new players from around the local area during the summer, Bowles conceded he has been “impressed” by the latest recruits.

“They’ve really impressed me. I did think they might struggle but they came in and held their own. I would imagine they will be competing for a starting 11 place, a few of them, they’re doing really well.

“We’ve got some quality players in so it’s been good. We’ve brought in a lot of new faces and the competition for places is brilliant, everybody is on their game. You have got to perform or you’re out, that’s the good point to having a big squad.

Given Dorchester’s nervy end to their campaign last season, in which they successfully staved off relegation, Bowles is aiming for a higher finish to avoid a potential relegation scrap.

“That’s where we want to be aiming, the top half of the table. I don’t want to be in that relegation fight again,” he said.

And Bowles is also encouraged by the players’ adaptation to boss Laird’s new style of play.

“I think they’ve adapted well to it. It’s just consistency now for the players. Obviously as the season goes on the pitches are going to get worse but the first games of the season will be fine.”