MIDFIELDER Franklyn Clarke and defender Matt Oldring have left Dorchester Town with “immediate effect”.


Both players were thought to be key players for the Magpies, who have all but secured their position within the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division after being embroiled in a relegation battle.


Clarke made himself a fans’ favourite after he notched a deserved late leveller to earn the Magpies a 2-2 draw on his debut against rivals Weymouth on Boxing Day last season.


After a brief spell away at York City, he rejoined the Magpies in November after making two first-team appearances for the Minstermen.
Oldring has been a model player and proved himself to be a real winner since signing from Bashley in October 2014.


Another fans’ favourite, Oldring has been the club’s vice-captain since manager Craig Laird took over at the Avenue at the turn of the year replacing Mark Jermyn.


The news will come as a shock to the Magpies’ faithful, many of whom saw both players as integral to the future plans of the club, both in this season and seasons to come.


A statement from the club says that Clarke and Oldring leave with their “very best wishes for the future and thank them both for all their efforts.”

More reaction to follow.