STRIKER Matt Groves will make a decision about his future over the next few days.

The 27-year-old has met with Dorchester Town's director of football Shaun Brooks and he is now currently mulling over a contract offer from the Magpies.

Groves looked to be on his way out of the Avenue Stadium under former manager Mick Jenkins but the county town side's new regime wants to keep him.

Several other clubs have also tabled offers for the ex-Portsmouth trainee, who joined the Magpies in November 1998.

Brooks said: "I have had a meeting with Matt and he has said he will get back to me in the next couple of days.

"He has had offers from other clubs but we have also made him an offer. However, the deal does involve some daytime training but not every day.

"Matt is now going to speak to his work and get back to me but he is one I want to go with. It is important to keep a core group of the senior players together, who know what the Blue Square South is all about."

When asked whether he is close to securing the services of anyone else, Brooks added: "Simon Evans is on board but he still had a year to run on his contract anyway.

"As for anyone else, over the last seven to 10 days we have been inundated with calls from agents but we do not want to overload ourselves.

"We now have a small squad to work with and we want to leave room to manoeuvre so if a couple of trialists do impress in pre-season we will be in a position to bring them in."

Former Magpie Warren Byerley has been linked with a return to the club. When asked about the striker, Brooks said: "I know the name but I have not spoken to him."