DORCHESTER Town have been hit with a hammer blow that talisman Nathan Walker will not be a part of the club “for the foreseeable future”.

Experienced defender Walker is instead expected to ply his trade in the Wessex League in a return to former club Hamworthy United.

The commanding centre-half and Magpies’ club favourite, who has captained the Avenue outfit on numerous occasions, has been listed as part of the Hammers’ squad for their first friendly against Fleet Air Arm at the County Ground on Thursday (7.30pm).

Former Magpies’ midfielder Jamie Gleeson is also included on the list, as well as goalkeeper Steve Boore.

Speaking about Walker, who was initially said to be missing the first month of the season as a Dorchester player at a fans’ forum last month, Avenue boss Craig Laird told Echosport: “Due to his family and work commitments, he is not going to be able to commit to the level at the moment.

“He said he would sign dual registration, so he will sign for us and sign for Hamworthy – hopefully things will change once his baby comes along and he can re-assess where he is.

“But, for the foreseeable future, he won’t be with us.”

Walker captained the Hammers as a youngster under former Dorchester manager Phil Simkin and also played under current United boss Brendon King when part of the set-up at Weymouth.

Laird added: “He has been a big player over the years and with a lot of experience but we now have to get on with it.

“We will get on with it and try and bring in another Nathan Walker, with someone else who will try to take the club forward.”