DORCHESTER Town manager Steve Thompson revealed he is aiming to commence work on new signings for next season in May.

With the Magpies lying in relative comfort in 19th place in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division, all but mathematically safe from relegation, Thompson is beginning to turn his attention to preparing for next season.

In February, both striker Phil Ormrod and attacking midfielder David Jerrard left the Avenue by mutual consent.

The Dorchester boss confirmed he had thought about next season, but was mindful of caveats.

He told Echosport: “I have certain people that I definitely would want but that depends on budget and the player.

“Then I have maybes and some that have it all to do. It wouldn’t be fair for me to say who’s in what category.”

Thompson is also keen to avoid a situation in July where a large proportion of the playing squad had not been decided.

He said: “I think it’s better if you do it in May otherwise you come in with a lottery in pre-season. The problem clubs face is that players will want more in May than they will accept in July.

“Players are not short in confidence and think they are worth this or that. Suddenly, when they don’t have a club and the season is two weeks away, the money they wanted in May they have to cut.”