ASHLEY Nicholls’ fleeting spell at the Avenue this season has come to an end, Magpies’ boss Mark Jermyn has revealed.

The midfield maestro, once labelled by former Magpies’ chief Phil Simkin as one of the best midfielders at Conference South level, has departed due to a lack of funds available to keep him at the club.

Honestly assessing the situation following his side’s 1-1 draw with Chippenham Town on Saturday, Dorchester boss Jermyn said: “Ash won’t be returning now.

“We have a pot that we try and manage and the pot is as tight as it can be at the moment.

“We are not by any means that far over but we are a tiny bit over and we just couldn’t stretch to what Ashley wanted, and it really wasn’t a lot of money.

“At the end of the day, we are trying to work within the structure that we have been given.

“We just fell short of what was needed and, as much as Ashley wants to come back, at this time we just can’t generate the money to able to give what he wants.

“Ash wasn’t asking for the world, he was probably asking for half of what he will get elsewhere but nevertheless we just can’t get there which is a shame.

“As a senior player it’s something we do miss.”

Jermyn did however reveal that striker Ben Watson is nearing a return to action following injury.

He added: “Ben is very close to returning and, as a senior player, he is massive for us.

“It’s not just his playing ability, it’s the calmness in the dressing room and on the pitch. It helps with your organisation.”

Saturday’s dramatic 1-1 draw, which saw the Magpies squander two points late on thanks to an Andy Sandell penalty, means Jermyn’s side sit four points off the play-off places.