DORCHESTER Town gloveman Shane Murphy hailed the work of Magpies’ coach Steve Dodge, insisting he could “always rely on” the goalkeeping guru.

Dodge has been a loyal member of the Dorchester backroom team, having played for the Magpies and other Dorset clubs including Weymouth, Portland, Swanage and Hamworthy.

Key in recognising Dodge’s expertise is his value to the squad amid managerial changes – despite having three different managers in a year, Dodge has remained throughout.

Speaking to Echosport, Murphy highlighted the benefits of working with Dodge, who also played for Dorset Police across 15 years.

He said: “Dodger’s great, he’s one of those guys you can always rely on week in, week out.

“No matter what the weather is, when it is, where it is – Tuesday nights at Truro away – he’s always there and he’s a good character.

“He’s been great for me, especially as this season hasn’t gone to plan. He’s been great for confidence and he’s always that shoulder to lean on and ask for advice.”

Murphy also praised former Magpie Nick Hutchings, with the two keepers engaged in a season-long battle for possession of the number one jersey.

He said: “Working with Nick’s been great, I know he’s not with us any more.

“Nick’s an experienced head, he’s been there and done it and offered nothing but positivity when I’ve been playing.

“It’s been that extra resource where if I did need anything, he’d give me support. I can’t thank him enough for that.”