DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes has called on his squad to pull together for a victory in Keith Emmerson’s final game.

Emmerson, 40, is hanging up his boots following the clash with Hendon at the Avenue Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

His distinguished non-League career spans a whopping 24 seasons and more than 1,000 games, encompassing spells at clubs such as Poole, Farnborough, Hungerford, Taunton among others.

He has also combined his club duties with a glittering Army career, rounding off his CV with a potential 33rd game in Dorchester colours.

READ MORE: Keith Emmerson announces decision to retire

And Howes is determined to give Emmerson a winning send-off.

He told Echosport: “I think that should be in the players’ minds, I really do.

“We didn’t discuss it after Poole because of myself and Keith’s association with Poole Town, sharing a dressing room together and winning leagues and matches over the course of season after season.

“That doesn’t just happen. You have to have the right mindset, character and personality to dedicate yourself to do it. Then, of course, you have a sprinkling of ability in that.

“Keith has that in abundance and, interestingly, he hasn’t gone through many moments of defeats like what he experienced against Poole, which is a remarkable achievement.

“Our players should aspire to do that and that’s why we brought Emmo into the group, for what he’s done, what he delivers not just on the pitch but in the dressing room and training.

“It’s no coincidence he’s gone on to play a thousand games.

“It’s not a thousand games in the park, it’s a thousand games at serious non-League level that he’s had to juggle with his professional and family life.

“He’s a man who will definitely stay in touch with the club, myself and the team.

“We’ve utilised his strengths and the players can do themselves a huge favour by looking at what Keith has produced and achieved.”

Dorchester were humbled 6-1 by Poole Town on Monday and the Hendon encounter provides the Magpies with a final chance to win at home this season.

Howes said: “I’ve said from the first day I arrived, fundamentally we have a warm relationship and rapport with the supporters.

“Invariably, you can do that by achieving great things on the pitch. Monday certainly wasn’t that.

“It’s an extremely difficult task to ask for a good relationship with supporters if we can’t deliver performances. I’m fully aware I’m accountable for that.

“So, we need to start mending that bridge against Hendon. It means an awful lot to the management staff, myself and the players.

“Hopefully come quarter-to-five we’ll be able to give the supporters a nice clap and show our appreciation for their support this season.”

Dorchester captain Callum Buckley (calf) continues to be monitored but Lewis Waterfield (ankle) is expected to miss the final two matches.

Kieran Douglas (groin) and Charlie Gunson (hamstring) will be assessed after being subbed off against Poole.