Vickers explains Northmore's absence

DORCHESTER assistant boss Ashley Vickers has partially revealed why keeper Ryan Northmore has been absent from the club.

The former Weston-super-Mare stopper was last involved with the first team when on the substitute's bench at Bishop's Stortford on 19 September – and has not been seen since.

It is thought the gloveman, who signed on non contract terms, had not been able to be contacted before that game requiring a recall for Regan Coward from starting a spell at Bridport. Coward has since held down the number one spot.

Vickers said: "Ryan is owed money by the club from Eddie Mitchell. He would come back if we could strike up some sort of arrangement. Regan has been playing really well but we do need two keepers at the club."

Manager Roy O'Brien said: "Nothing has happened with Ryan yet but being owed money is the major part of that. The lad has got a young family and you come to depend on that.

"When Shaun (Hearn, chairman) and his group took over, they have had to sort out a lot of things and that has been part and parcel of that."

Northmore could not be contacted as the Western Gazette went to press.

O'Brien hopes to have added to his squad by the time of Saturday's Blue Square South trip to Thurrock but is playing his cards close to his chest.

Speaking yesterday morning, he said: "Hopefully over the next couple of days something can happen and we can get them down for training tomorrow night (Thursday). It is a question of economics and making sure some players go and some players come in, things are close to being done."

Meanwhile, midfielder Tom Mitchell and winger Andre Costa both turned out for AFC Bournemouth reserves on Tuesday afternoon and O'Brien said the arrangement could continue.

"It is an opportunity to play some games," said O'Brien. "The only problems I do have is if a player gets injured. What happens with regards insurance? Hopefully we can overcome that because they both need game time."

Midfielder Ian Selley has become the least non-contract player to sign terms – initially until Christmas.

Town's home league match with Eastleigh, scheduled for 24 October, has been re-arranged for 10 November because of the Spitfires' involvement in the FA Cup.

DORCHESTER'S Supporters Trust will be hosting a darts, skittles and pool fundraising evening against Yeovil Town's supporters club on Saturday 14 November. The event will be preceded by the Trust's AGM, held in the Coalition Club's Dorset Room at 7pm. The meeting is open to Trust members only. Further details and booking forms can be found at www.magpiestrust.co.uk.