HAVING signed a new deal at the Avenue and retained the Magpies’ captaincy, Jake Smeeton cannot wait to lead his side’s bid for a return to the Conference South next season.

Defender Smeeton, who has just finished his eighth campaign as a Dorchester Town player, also says he is now “probably as fit as I’ve ever been” after two months out last term with a hamstring problem.

Despite still being only 26, Smeeton is one of the longest serving players in the Magpies’ squad, and he has experienced his fair share of highs and lows since making his debut as a teenager.

With his injury and the team’s poor form under Phil Simkin and then Graham Kemp, the 2014/15 season was testing to say the least.

But Smeeton feels going through that rocky patch, which improved when Mark Jermyn took over as player-manager in January, ultimately helped him and his team-mates in the long run.

“No-one likes losing, of course, least of all me, but I thought going through those hard times made us stronger and more united,” he said.

“And hopefully that will help us to push on again next season.

“With people signed up already we’ve got the base to do well.

“If we can produce the performances like we have under Mark but throughout the whole season, and keep the momentum going, then we’ve got a really good chance of being near the top next season.

“We’ve got a good pre-season lined up so I would like to see us make the play-offs – the club should be back in Conference South."

He added: “It’s been nice to have a break but football is a big part of my life and I’m already looking forward to getting back and leading the lads."

Like other squad members who penned deals last week, Smeeton had no hesitation in staying at the club.

“I spoke to the gaffer and was more than happy to stay," continued the Dorchester players' player of the year.

“I’ve enjoyed my eight seasons at the club so far and there have been a few ups and downs, but I was always going to sign for Dorchester if they offered me anything.”

And when asked about keeping the skipper’s armband, he continued: “I’d like to think I’m well respected at the club and that I have an influence on the players.

“I hope my ability and attitude speak for themselves, and I’m keen to help the team progress.

“I want to help the players as much as I can and try to get the performance levels to where we want them to be.”