GRAHAM Kemp has revealed how Dan Smith turned down a return to Truro City because he felt duty-bound to help the Magpies turn their season around.

The Treyew Road outfit made an approach for Smith last week, but after talks between the two parties the player decided he wanted to stay at the Avenue.

And Dorchester boss Kemp is understandably delighted that the frontman has opted to remain part of his squad.

“I said to Dan that if he had other options then he should speak to them and make a decision,” he said.

“He spoke to Truro to see what they had to say but he has decided to stay with us.

“He looked me straight in the face and said he felt partly to blame for where we are in the league.

“And because of that he didn’t want to walk away and leave it for someone else to clear up.

“That has restored my faith in footballers because, out of experience, players will often blame others for the situation they find themselves in. They can blame the manager or the chairman, but sometimes they’ve just got to look at themselves.”

He added: “Dan is a flamboyant player who is a real threat for us going forward.

“He is a team player as well and has always got a smile on his face.

“He has been exemplary since I’ve been at the club and I think he will be here for the rest of the season now.”

Kemp confirmed that Smith, pictured, will be rested for Dorchester’s Dorset Senior Cup quarter-final at Swanage Town & Herston tomorrow (7.45pm).

Dorchester's reserves play Sholing at the Avenue tonight (7.45pm) in the Wyvern Premier Division.