AN EMOTIONAL Mark Jermyn admitted he “could not have wished for a better send off” as he ended his reign in charge of Dorchester Town at the Avenue.

The Magpies were held to a 1-1 draw with Ridgeway rivals Weymouth, as both Jermyn and assistant Nick Crittenden said goodbye to the county town set-up.

They were given a guard of honour as they left the field by their team-mates – also saying farewell at that moment was skipper Jake Smeeton, who the manager also confirmed was leaving the club.

Jermyn, who came off the bench to replace goalscorer Nathan Walker, told Echosport: “Obviously it’s an emotional finish for me in front of a home crowd and in front of family, friends, and supporters that have seen me play over the years.

“The fans said to me that I am going to be missed and I am going to miss everybody at the club. It’s not going to be something I am going to switch off very easily from.”

On the game itself, he added: “After the first 10 minutes of the second half I thought Weymouth were gone. I thought if we got another one then it was game over, but they grew into the game in the second half and got their goal.

“By and large I would say we shaded it. It was a 1-1 game but what the players gave me was fantastic, I could not have wished for a better send off.

“Nick and I weren’t trying to feature for any glory. Nick went on for Tom Blair, who was injured and then Nathan (Walker) dropped down as well.”

Speaking about Smeeton, Jermyn added: “It was Jake’s last game as well.

“I can’t speak for him but I know he will deeply miss the football club and he has been a fantastic player to play for the club.”

Echosport understands Smeeton is now set to join Poole Town.