DORCHESTER Town chairman Matt Lucas is hopeful that manager Steve Thompson’s first full pre-season in charge of the Magpies will eventually “show dividends”.

Thompson joined the county town side after a handful of league games had already been played in September 2017, succeeding Craig Laird.

And Lucas told Echosport the club has been intrigued to watch Thompson’s efforts in preparation for the new Evo-Stik Southern Premier South campaign, which begins on Saturday at home to Metropolitan Police.

He said: “We’ve all been looking forward to the fact that Tommo has been able to have his own pre-season at the club.

“He’s obviously been very thorough in training and the pre-season programme. I’ve got to say that the sessions put on have always been very different and interesting.

“We’re obviously hopeful that with that pre-season it will show dividends for when we play the first league game.

“Personally I can’t wait for the first league game to come around because it focuses us on the campaign.”

He added: “I’ve been really impressed with what Steve’s bringing but also everyone in the backroom team.

“From Trevor (Senior, assistant), Emma (Tonkin, physio), Steve (Dodge, goalkeeping coach) and also Derek Taylor our kitman. They’ve all worked extremely hard.

“They’ve all been very committed and hopefully we will see the benefit of it when we kick off.

“There’s still plenty to be done, both on the training ground and with regards to recruitment as well, but I’m sure Steve has everything under control.”

Dorchester last season finished in 19th, but Lucas is eyeing progress in the upcoming term.

He said: “I’m certainly looking for an improvement – I’m a chairman that is very competitive. I don’t want to see us at the bottom of the league.

“We were competitive in all games last year, but obviously the table doesn’t lie. I’m hopeful we’ll have a much better season.

“But at the same time that improvement is what I want to see, that’s most important.”

Dorchester have already played three pre-season friendlies on their new 3G pitch, and Lucas spoke of his pride at installing the artificial turf.

“We’re really proud of it. There’s been an awful lot of work that’s gone into it. With regards to the comments we’ve had from our own players and opposition it’s playing really well.” he said.

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