DORCHESTER Town have confirmed the exit of midfielder Tom Purrington.

Plymouth Argyle youth product Purrington is understood to have signed a deal with another Southern League club.

Purrington, 21, has played 60 games in his Magpies career, scoring five goals.

He was a near ever-present in the Dorchester team last season after signing from National League side Bromley, appearing 40 times and netting three goals.

In a brief statement on Twitter, Dorchester said: "We can confirm that midfielder Tom Purrington won't be returning to the club for the new season.

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"We would like to thank Tom for his efforts during his time with us last season and wish him all the best for the future."

Last summer Purrington was challenged by former boss Robbie Herrera and assistant Kevin Hodges, who worked with Purrington at Plymouth, to kick on and the midfielder duly delivered a number of impressive displays.

However, his exit comes as a setback for Dorchester, who are building an almost entirely new squad under boss Glenn Howes.

Purrington becomes the eighth player to leave Dorchester this summer after Ash Wells, Oakley Hanger, Tom Soares, Charlie Gunson, Yemi Odubade, Billy Lowes and Harry McGrath.

However, ten players have committed to the Magpies with new recruits Shaq Gwengwe, Keith Emmerson, Kieran Douglas, Olly Balmer, Ollie Griggs and Michael Lilley joining alongside the returning Callum Buckley, Tiago Sa, Harvey-Joe Bertrand and Alfie Stanley.