WITH Dorchester Town preparing to play their first pre-season friendly of the summer, boss Mark Jermyn says talks over a possible new deal for Nathan Walker are still ongoing.

The Magpies host Salisbury, managed by former Terras’ chief Steve Claridge, tonight (7.45pm) with Walker’s future at the Avenue up in the air.

Player-manager Jermyn told Echosport he “would love” to keep the defender but it is not that easy.

“We are still speaking to Nathan at the moment,” said Jermyn. “We have got a budget to work to and can’t re-sign people for the sake of it.

“I would love to have him at the club because he is a great player but we have got limited resources to work with.

“As much as I like Nathan, I’ve got to make sure it fits for both parties.

“He has been trialling at other clubs but he said he wants to stay at Dorchester.”

One player who definitely won’t be in the Magpies’ squad next term is midfielder Sam Lanahan following his departure from the county town outfit yesterday.

Lanahan confirmed on social media that he will not be signing for the new campaign and thanked everyone at the club for his time there over the last few seasons.

Meanwhile, Jermyn informed Echosport that striker Mark Irvine, who had a spell on loan with the Magpies late last season, is set to join Dorchester on a permanent basis.

Irvine will play a part in tonight’s friendly against Salisbury, the club that was reformed by a consortium including Claridge and ex-Weymouth chairman Ian Ridley after Salisbury City went bust last year.

Another player due to get a run out this evening is Dan Cann, who is keen on a return following a brief spell with Dorchester at the beginning of the 2014/15 campaign, while Jermyn also said he is looking to bring Ashley Nicholls back into the fold.

“Mark will be playing with a view to signing for next season, and I’m really happy about that,” added Jermyn.

“He is someone who has got real potential and is technically very good.

“Dan is going to be involved in the game and he wants to return to the club.”

Last summer saw the Magpies taken apart by Bournemouth (11-0) and Yeovil (9-0) in pre-season friendlies at the Avenue, and the negativity that came with those results continued into the club’s league fixtures – the club won’t be taking on any Football League sides this time around.

Looking ahead to tonight’s clash, Jermyn said: “People say results don’t matter but winning becomes a habit and that’s something we do want to get over to the boys.

“The players are aware of the way we want to play next season and that’s what these friendlies are about for us.”