DORCHESTER Town chairman Scott Symes expressed his delight at securing experienced defender Callum Buckley on an 18-month contract.

Buckley was initially signed on a month’s loan from Pitching In Southern League Premier South counterparts Hayes & Yeading United.

Dorchester twice extended his stay before the U’s recalled the versatile former Aldershot and Weymouth man.

However, Symes played a key role in negotiating a permanent deal for Buckley, who has now played 18 games for the Magpies this season.

Symes told Echosport: “I’m really pleased. Since Callum’s been here he’s been really keen.

“He enjoys it at Dorchester and certainly his performances have been outstanding.

“Certainly over the last four to six weeks it’s been part of the plan to speak to Hayes when we can appropriately and get him as a permanent Dorchester player, which we’ve managed to do.

“We want to consolidate in this league this season, whilst Glenn builds what he wants as a team and the type of player we’re looking for at Dorchester.

“Callum fits that bill and hopefully he’ll be skippering the club for a good few years.”