DORCHESTER Town have moved swiftly to extend winger Tom Blair’s contract into the 2019/2020 season.

The Magpies swooped for Blair’s signature a matter of hours after the season-ending 3-1 loss to Hartley Wintney on Saturday.

Dorchester-born winger Blair has scored 20 goals in 120 career appearances for the Magpies, including this breakthrough season featuring 11 goals in 42 appearances.

Blair, who was handed a two-year contract in 2017 by then boss Craig Laird, made his 100th appearance for the club in December and netted his first hat-trick for Dorchester in the remarkable 4-0 FA Trophy first round win at National League South side Eastbourne Borough.​

​After putting pen to paper on the new deal, Blair said: "I am absolutely delighted to have signed a one-year contract extension with Dorchester Town.

“Thank you to all the fans for the support this year and I am buzzing for the next season ahead, hopefully challenging in the other half of the table.

“I would finally like to thank the manager Cal (Brooks) and the club for making this happen. Up The Magpies!"​

​Commenting on the deal, Brooks said that Blair “bleeds black and white”.

He said: "Tom's been brilliant in the period that I've been here.

“From the moment I've walked in, he's totally bought into everything that we've tried to implement.

“More than that, he's Dorchester through and through. He's a supporter first and foremost, he's a super talented lad and he's a lad who I don't feel has anywhere near hit his potential – I feel the best is yet to come.

​"Where I'm in a position where we want the club to improve, we need players like Tom to help us improve and improve with us, so for me it's a good bit of business.

“We've got a good character on board, you've got a lad who can be anything he wants to be on his day.

“What we have got to ensure is that it's his day more often and we are looking to work with Tom and aim to get a high level of consistency out of him.

​"He bleeds black and white and he'll fight for the cause. From my point of view, I'd like to thank him for his attitude and application since I've been here and obviously I'm looking forward to working with him moving forwards."​

Also a talented all-rounder, Blair is set to play cricket for Puddletown in County Division Two this summer.

*Dorchester's end-of-season presentation night takes place at the Clayson Stadium on Friday (7.30pm). Tickets are available for £5.