Seven-up

8:46am Wednesday 30th April 2008

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SHAUN Brooks has handed new deals to seven members of Dorchester Town's squad.

The county town director of football has been locked in talks with his players over the last two days yet there are some still to have their future secured.

So far Patrece Liburd, Mark Jermyn, Jake Smeaton, Ivan Forbes and Jamie Gleeson have signed new contracts as have youngsters Darren Watts and Mitchell Nicholson.

However, players including top scorer Jones Awuah, experienced defender Roy O'Brien and midfielder James Rowe are still in discussion over new deals while Brooks is waiting to speak to club captain Alex Browne and keeper Francisco Ramos.

Brooks said: "I'll be pleased when I can get the likes of Jones and Roy on board again because they are strong players and will be stronger in a lower league. Overall though we have good foundations and a good nucleus so far, and we've left enough space to get three or four in.

"The younger players will be at the club full-time, that means training and working around the community, however, we will have some part-timers as well with the likes of Mark Jermyn. Everyone whose signed has done so on a year's contract because we are not in a position to give any longer than that.

"I've not seen Eric Manangu play enough, I've only seen him in training so we will have a look at him in pre-season and then make a decision.

"Nathan Peprah-Annan did well on Saturday at Bromley and we want to have him here in pre-season as well."

Loanee Danny Clay has returned to Salisbury City but Brooks is keen to keep close contact with the midfield man.

He said: "Danny has gone back to Salisbury because we can't afford his wages but we hope to agree something for next season, perhaps taking him on loan again if possible."

The Magpies' boss was a spectator last night in Team Bath's 4-1 win over Bashley in their BGB Southern Premier Division play-off semi-final.

He added: "There are one or two players we are looking at but it's also a way of looking at the level for next season. Team Bath aren't a bad side, they're a young team with good athletes."

And Brooks is looking forward to the challenge of life in a lower division.

He added: "There's a lot of confidence to be taken from the way we ended the season. Our form towards the end showed that we can compete at Blue Square South level."