STUART Heath says the Magpies’ players have to give the fans a team they can be proud of after two tumultuous seasons at the Avenue.

The Dorchester faithful have been put through the wringer during the last couple of campaigns, with one ending in relegation and the other a bottom-half finish.

Supporters did see shoots of recovery following Mark Jermyn’s return as player-manager in January, and first-team coach Heath believes it is vital the squad carries that on this term.

“We only started to show what we could do in the second half of last season, and the fans began to enjoy watching us again,” said Heath before today’s Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division opener at home against Histon (3pm).

“We’ve got to make sure we carry on from that and the players need to have the right mentality every time they pull on a Dorchester shirt.

“They owe it to the supporters because they are the ones who pay their money to watch them.

“The lads are playing for a group of fans who are very loyal to the team, especially over the last few seasons when things have been rough.

“They’ve had a tough couple of seasons so it’s about giving them a team they can be proud of.

“We’ve got to do a job on the pitch and understand how important it is for the supporters.”

Heath said defender Chris Dillon will feature in the matchday squad but is not likely to be used as he recovers from a knee injury.

And striker Tony Lee could also be part of the Dorchester squad for the game should the paperwork on his dual registration deal with Eastleigh be completed in time.