JASON Brookes made a big impression on everyone at Dorchester Town last season – and he would love to be around next term to have even more of an impact on the club’s fortunes.

The former Eastleigh and Bashley man was brought to the Avenue by former boss Phil Simkin last summer but had few chances to show what he could do until later in the campaign.

However, despite his limited game time, the 27-year-old became something of a cult hero with the fans due to his reputation as a joker in the changing room.

The effect he had on those around him was recognised after the final game of the season against Slough when Brookes received the Jack Lambert Award for Good Sportsmanship.

And the Lymington-born midfielder is now hopeful that he will get another opportunity to shine on the field, as well as off it.

“I’m not sure but I’m pretty confident something will get sorted out,” he told Echosport.

“I really enjoyed my first season at the club and I want to go back and have more of an impact next season.

“Phil Simkin signed me at the start of last season but there was quite a lot of disruption in the first half of it so it took me a while to settle.

“I was new to it as well and everyone was trying to figure out what I was all about.

“I was trying to prove myself but I had limited game time to do that.

“When Jem and Critts came in they did give me more game time and I was really pleased to score my first league goal against Slough.”

As for his antics off the field, Brookes added: “I do get the tag of being a character.

“When I came to the club I kept myself to myself but it didn’t last long.

“There was one occasion when we were training and the reserves were playing a game.

“We used boot laces to make a washing line and hung all their clothes up on it.

“The only thing was they lost the game 3-0 and weren’t happy when they saw what we’d done. I didn’t own up to it at the time but I did instigate it.”