DORCHESTER Town have confirmed the departures of midfielders Jonny Efedje and Lewis Waterfield.

Efedje joined the Magpies midway through the 2023/24 season after exiting Gosport, while Lewis Waterfield was one of the first signings of the Glenn Howes era.

Both men were used sparingly as substitutes towards the end of the season as Dorchester built a formidable 12-game unbeaten run.

Waterfield leaves having scored three times in 36 appearances for the Magpies, while Efedje was goalless in 14.

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Boss Tom Killick explained the circumstances that led to the duo parting ways with the Avenue Stadium club.

He told Echosport: “Jonny was based at Bournemouth Uni last year and obviously a couple of years before that.

“He’s gone back to Woking, where he lives. That’s what was manageable from a travel perspective.

“Sadly, we’ve had to part company with him. He was a brilliant lad. I feel a bit guilty because he obviously didn’t get the opportunity he deserved.

“His arrival coincided with us having a strong run, so he didn’t get as many opportunities as he could’ve, but he’ll do well for whatever club he ends up at.

“He’s gone purely because of logistics.

“Then, Lewis there’s real guilt on my part because he was definitely hard done by in terms of the opportunities he got, or didn’t get.

“Understandably, he wants to go somewhere where he’s got a better chance of playing regularly.

“The way he’s conducted himself and what he’s done for the club, I can only apologise to him that he didn’t get (more) opportunities.”

Efedje and Waterfield are the Magpies’ first confirmed departures this summer, other than loanees.