DORCHESTER Town chairman Matt Lucas hailed as “worthwhile” the Magpies’ latest fans’ forum at which a number of topics and opinions were raised.

Dorchester supporters questioned Lucas, Dorchester’s board plus new manager Callum Brooks and assistant-manager Trevor Senior on a variety of issues including playing budget and player market strategy.

When quizzed by the Magpies’ faithful, Brooks admitted he and Senior had drawn up a list of potential summer targets and stated his desire to conclude business early.

That strategy is at odds with Brooks’ predecessor Steve Thompson, who opted for a delayed approach to capturing signatures leading to several loanee signings late in the summer.

Brooks addressed fans’ concerns over the loanee signings and admitted the current squad is lacking in experience and balance – issues the former Hamworthy boss is keen to remedy.

Dorchester’s coaching staff is not expected to change, although Brooks is eager to implement a more professional system with an emphasis on scouting and key supporting roles.

Particular attention was paid to the club’s new academy and its anticipated competition in the Under-19 Alliance League, with any notion of a return to reserve football dismissed.

The Magpies also hope to raise a further £6,000 to replace over 600 seats in the Clayson Stadium’s main stand, with a ‘sponsor-a-seat’ initiative mooted as one possible fundraising avenue.

Speaking to Echosport, Lucas, who is set to vacate his position as Dorchester chief this summer, felt there were a number of benefits to the forum.

He said: “It was nice to have a general fans’ forum which is open to everyone.

“It’s been good to introduce Callum to the fans in an informal way and for people to find out a little bit with regards to what Callum’s plans are moving forward.

“Also, it’s been good for us as a board to be able to answer any questions as well.”

Much of the talk also centred on the Magpies’ playing budget, which has risen by £20,000 in the past year.

Lucas said: “Even though we can’t be specific in a general fans’ forum we’ve got to be mindful that there are members of the CBS and we’ve got to be fair ¬– we can’t mention certain things.

“It’s been nice to be able to answer questions with regards to everything at the club.

“I think every question was very worthwhile. It’s good to hear views and opinions from everyone – an older or younger person and to see a good cross-section of ages here.

“The thing for me that came out of it was working as a collective. That goes from the team management to the chairman, the board of directors and the supporters and the many volunteers.

“We’re going to be far better moving forward if we do things in a collective than if we were to do it in groups or individuals – that came through well.”