Departing Benji backs new Magpies' regime

DEPARTING Dorchester Town commercial manager Brian Benjafield has backed new chairman Shaun Hearn to make a success of his tenure at the Jewson Stadium.

The 48-year-old, who turned out for AFC Bournemouth and Weymouth during his playing career, has left to take up a similar role at the Cherries after 17 years service with the county-town club.

Benjafield said: "Shaun has got a lot of good ideas, he is Dorchester through and through. He has a lot of good contacts and I am sure with the help of one or two other people around the town, he will make a success of it."

Benjafield has had a host of roles at the Blue Square South club including being assistant to former managers Stuart Morgan and Mark Morris.

"During the time I have been at the club, I have made a lot of good friends and acquaintances," said Benjafield. "All the people I have dealt with, whether they have been businessmen or supporters have been good to myself or the club.

"Undoubtedly the highlight of my time would have been reaching the first round of the FA Cup at Wigan Athletic (in 2000) when I was helping Mark Morris.

"With Stuart it was getting to their first round proper of the FA Cup and going to Oxford United when they were in the league.

"Both Mark and Stuart were different in the way they managed. Mark did it on a shoestring budget with lesser players, while Stuart got some excellent players in and some were sold on to higher clubs.

"I will still be coming down to each games at Dorchester when I get the time. I look forward to the challenge at Bournemouth. Hopefully it is the right move and I can do everything I did at Dorchester."

Meanwhile, young keeper Regan Coward is aiming to hold on to the Town's number one jersey, since displacing Ryan Northmore in the first team.

Coward said: "I just wanted games and was all set to do that with Bridport but Dorchester is my hometown club. Getting the chance to come in and play for them is what I have really wanted to do for a good last year and a half. It is my home town club and so far it has felt good."

"Playing with all the lads, they are all really experienced players and that has really helped me. They are always very encouraging."

Question marks surround Northmore's future at the club hot on the heels of winger Ivan Forbes having his contract cancelled by mutual consent.

A Dorchester side lost 4-1 at Yeovil Town on Monday night in a behind closed-doors friendly.