O'Brien in double swoop (From Dorset Echo)

O'Brien in double swoop

9:08am Thursday 6th August 2009 in Club news By Rob Meech

BOSS Roy O’Brien has swooped for trialists Ryan Northmore and Neil Martin – but conceded that Gareth Stewart is poised to leave Dorchester Town.

O’Brien confirmed that the duo have penned deals and will be in the selection reckoning for Saturday’s Blue Square South opener at home to St Albans.

However, the Irishman revealed that keeper Northmore’s signature means former AFC Bournemouth stopper Stewart is likely to exit the Jewson Stadium.

O’Brien said: “I’m very happy that we’ve got both Paul and Ryan. I would love to keep Gareth as well but it looks like that won’t happen.

“Ryan brings a lot of experience with him and has played at Weston-super-Mare for several years. His experience at this level will be crucial.

“It’s good for the lads to know they have got a quality keeper behind them because that gives the back line confidence.

“Neil is a versatile defender. He has been at Exeter and Salisbury and has played quite a lot at this level too. He was at Yeading last season and knows what is required in this league.”

The Magpies’ chief also admitted that financial constraints precluded the permanent signings of striker Jules Emati and winger Steve Devlin.

He said: “I was keen to bring in all four of the trialists to the club but at the moment the budget dictates that this is not possible.

“I’m still hoping that we can do something with Steve and Jules. There may be the possibility that we can do a pay-as-you-play deal but that’s something I’ll have to discuss more with the chairman.

“I’m pleased with the squad but I’m always keeping tabs on players and you never know what money might become available.”