DORCHESTER Town central midfielder Billy Lowes has revealed he will not return to the Avenue Stadium for the 2022/23 season.

Lowes joined Dorchester from Ridgeway rivals Weymouth in 2017 and went on to make 186 appearances for the Magpies across five seasons, scoring 12 goals.

He played an integral part in keeping Dorchester up with two games to spare this campaign.

Lowes was arguably man-of-the-match in the pivotal wins at Kings Langley and Salisbury and was among Dorchester's players of the season.

He also scored a goal-of-the-season contender against Poole Town in December, curling home into the top corner from 25 yards following a brilliant solo run.

READ MORE: Experienced quartet exit Dorchester Town

However, the combative midfielder last night announced his departure from the Magpies.

Taking to Twitter, he said: "It’s the end of an era. Unfortunately my time at @DorchTownFC has come to an end, I want to thank the fans for all their support over the last five years.

"It’s been a pleasure to be apart of such a great club and I wish them all the best for the future."

Dorchester extended their thanks to a player who enjoyed immense popularity at the club.

"We would like to say thank you to @Billy_Lowes for all of his efforts on and off the pitch during his five years of service at the club, making 186 appearances for The Magpies since arriving in 2017, and we wish Billy all the very best for the future," a statement read.

Lowes becomes the fifth player to leave Dorchester this week after ex-captain and defender Ash Wells, midfielders Tom Soares and Charlie Gunson, plus striker Yemi Odubade all exited the club.

The quintet's experience will be sorely missed and will surely look to be replaced - at least in part - by manager Glenn Howes this summer.

Adding to the list of players departing the Avenue in the off-season are loanees Olaf Koszela, Louie Slough, Jack Bycroft and Jack Wadham.