DORCHESTER Town boss Leigh Robinson believes the coronavirus pandemic will provide lower league players with an improved chance to join professional clubs.

Robinson aired his thoughts in an interview with BBC Solent Sport following the sale of star winger Tom Blair to Eastleigh.

With full-time clubs’ budgets tightened amid a reduction in funds during lockdown, scouts have increasingly turned to non-League to delve into an untapped pool of talent.

And Robinson, a former Truro and Taunton manager, has reminded his Magpies’ squad of the opportunities that may lie in wait if performances are to a high standard.

He said: “To be honest, even in pre-season when (Tom) had a trial at Yeovil I said to the players that that’s a real good sign.

“Even at a club that’s not been doing that well, let’s be fair, National League clubs and professional clubs are still looking at lads from this level.

“If you can perform, regardless of results, to a high level individually you will get a chance.

“With the way of the world now with coronavirus and clubs having smaller squads and less money, professional clubs are looking at this level.

“We’ve tried to drum that into the players as best we can and it’s a real good sign for players at this club and for this club as a whole to have another player that’s gone professional.”

Dorchester were due to play Truro on Tuesday, but their league clash has been postponed after the White Tigers’ FA Trophy tie with Taunton was rearranged for the same night.