DORCHESTER Town have secured the services of eight players for the 2023/24 season.
All eight played for the Magpies last season as Jordan Ngalo, Harvey-Joe Bertrand, Jordi Foot, Louie Slough, Tiago Sa, Lewis Toms, Lewis Waterfield and Shaq Gwengwe return, subject to FA approval.
Ngalo scored twice in 37 games for Dorchester, following his move from National League side Aldershot.
Bertrand is still without a Magpies goal in 48 games but added a further 37 appearances to his Dorchester tally after impressing at the Avenue during 2021/22.
READ MORE: Kieran Douglas exits Dorchester for Bognor Regis
Foot is rated as one of Dorchester’s best talents, having come back to the club he shot up through the youth ranks at after a spell at Shaftesbury.
Foot netted a single goal in 43 appearances last term, regularly playing on the right at full-back or wing-back.
Slough extends his stay at the Magpies, having joined permanently from Torquay last summer. The centre-back has two goals in 46 career appearances.
Left-back Tiago Sa is the longest-serving of all the signings, having played 122 times for the Magpies with a solitary goal.
Teenage star Toms has shot up through the youth ranks at Dorchester and netted a brace against Bridport in a 4-2 Dorset Senior Cup win.
He has two goals and eight senior appearances to his name.
Lewis Waterfield scored a rocket at Salisbury after joining in March but only managed four games after picking up an ankle injury.
And 2022/23 top-scorer Gwengwe completes the octet, his 13 league goals earning him the Magpies’ golden boot in his first season. The forward played 36 times in 2022/23.
Dorchester manager Glenn Howes offered comment on all eight signings, starting with Ngalo.
He said: “I’m pretty certain everybody will be extremely excited to know young Jordan will be back at The Avenue next season.
“Jordan produced many stunning performances last season which resulted in receiving several man of the match awards and we’re looking forward to seeing Jordan playing an even more pivotal role amongst the team both on and off the pitch."
On Bertrand, he said: “This valuable game time and match situations are starting to show in Harvey’s performances and we’re delighted he’s chosen to continue his development with The Magpies for another season.”
Addressing Foot, Howes said: “Jordi was almost ever-present last year and second-top appearance holder amongst the team which is remarkable for such a young player, particularly as this was Jordi’s debut this season at Step 3.
“I’m sure the supporters are looking forward to seeing one of our U23 graduates stamp his authority on the league further.”
Of Slough, he added: “It took Louie a little while to adjust to life away from Torquay, however it was pretty evident to all that Louie’s progress throughout the season went from strength to strength and he was an ever present with some fine performances.”
On Sa, he said: “Club stalwart T has provided the club with several significant performances over the last few years and we’re really pleased this relationship will continue further.
“T provides the team with a lovely balance down the left side.”
Reacting to Toms’ deal, Howes added: “Part of this year’s (double-winning) U23 side and U18 captain.
“Although still only 16-years-old, Lewis has figured several times this year for the first team and looks to have an extremely bright future. We all look forward to seeing Lewis figure further with the first team.”
Addressing Waterfield’s commitment, Howes said: “A late arrival to last season’s team, but Lewis really didn’t waste any time in letting supporters know what his all-action style is about and produced some wonderful late moments which was pivotal in the team finishing the season in a strong manner.
“I’m sure the supporters can’t wait to see more of Lewis.”
Finally, he said of Gwengwe: “Last season’s top goalscorer leads the line with a maturity beyond his youthful years and deputised as team captain in the absence of Buckers (Callum Buckley).
“This has of course attracted many admirers since being at The Avenue, but we’re really pleased Shaq has decided to turn down several suitors and continue his development with The Magpies.
“Further goalscoring celebrations on the horizon!”
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