DORCHESTER Town winger Aaron Rodriguez credited the Magpies with helping him to rediscover his love for football after signing on for the 2018/19 season.

Rodriguez joined the Magpies from Weymouth for an initial loan spell before Christmas before being recalled by the Terras.

However, after failing to gain a regular starting berth, Rodriguez was then allowed to join Dorchester permanently until the end of the campaign, before Dorchester extended his stay for a full season.

Speaking to Echosport after signing for the upcoming year, Rodriguez expressed his delight at securing his move to the Avenue.

He said: “To be honest, I’m really chuffed to be signed on here. Towards the end of last season when I signed here I really enjoyed my football for the first time in many a year.

“I’m really pleased to be here for next season and I think there’s quite a positive feel around the club. That comes from the new pitch and people signing on for next season.

“Last season, the season was gone early doors but you saw the results in the second half of the season in particular we were really showing what we could do.

“We’ve got a young squad as well. We’re all learning and I think next season we can give it a real good go in this league.”

Rodriguez, who was originally signed by Steve Thompson, reserved praise for the Magpies’ boss, highlighting their good relationship.

He said: “Steve’s a top manager. He’s got the wealth of experience as well and his man-management is excellent.

“I really get on well with Steve both on and off the pitch. I can learn a lot under him.”

Rodriguez echoed the thoughts of fellow signings Kyle Egan, Chris Weale and Billy Lowes in believing that the Magpies could achieve at least a top-half finish this term.

He said: “I’m positive we can finish top half but I think our aim this season is to be looking to sneak into the play-offs and just build from last season’s results.

“If we make a couple more signings with a bit of experience we can have a good season.”