MORE former Magpies could be heading back to the Avenue this summer, but boss Mark Jermyn says he faces a tricky balancing act to accommodate new signings.

After revealing that he is looking to secure a permanent deal for dual-registered Ashley Nicholls, Jermyn told Echosport that other ex-players have also expressed an interest in returning.

With the likes of Ben Watson, Lewis Morgan, Nicholls and Jermyn himself playing in the black and white of Dorchester again, the Magpies’ squad is beginning to resemble that which achieved a club record points tally in the Conference South two years ago.

And while Jermyn hinted that there could be a few more familiar faces coming back in the close season, resources are going to dictate how much business he can do.

“Conference South to this level is a massive step and we now have a lot of players that have played Conference South football,” he said.

“You look at Alan (Walker-Harris), Jake (Smeeton), Dills (Chris Dillon), myself, Glees (Jamie Gleeson), Ashley, Ben, Nathan Walker and Lewis.

“So if we can retain as many as we can and work to our budget then next season I fully expect us to be more competitive.

“They’re coming back to be a part of the club and they see what we’re trying to do.

“A lot of them have worked with me and Nick before so they know what we’re about.

“There are one or two more who have shown an interest in returning but it’s how we fit them in.

“Unfortunately, come the end of the season we’re going to have a lot of talent that wants to come to us but we’re not realistically going to be able to fit all of them in.

“It’s a double-edged sword and something I’ve got to deal with. I’ve got to find a balance.”

Jermyn also said he would be keen to keep Portsmouth youngster Bradley Tarbuck for another month when his loan deal expires after Saturday’s trip to Corby.

  • Dorchester’s reserves host Moneyfields in the Wyvern Premier Division tonight (7.45pm).