DORCHESTER Town have secured the services of defender Roy O'Brien for another season but talks with midfielder James Rowe have stalled.

Director of football Shaun Brooks has revealed that Rowe turned down the club's initial offer citing a preference for part-time football as the reason behind his refusal.

Brooks said: "James turned down a contract offer but we are still talking to him. James was one of our full-time players last year and we were working with young players who, contrary to what people thought, were not on fantastic wages.

"James' intention is to look at going part-time so we'll talk to him again, he wants to earn a decent wage and that's fair enough.

"He recognises he isn't going to play at a much higher level, however, he was terrific for us last year."

On extending O'Brien's stay at the county town club, Brooks added: "Roy has agreed terms for another season which is fantastic.

"Over the last six to eight weeks of the season he was terrific, and as a partnership alongside Patrece Liburd he'll be fine for us."

Top scorer Jones Awuah is yet to decide on his future while keeper Francisco Ramos will have talks with Brooks in the near future as the latter plans for life in the BGB Southern Premier Division.

The Magpies' chief said: "Talks with Jones are ongoing. He's back in London with his family but we've made him offer. He needs to do what's best for him and his family but hopefully we will have an answer by the middle part of this week.

"I've not had the opportunity to talk to Chico because of his work schedule but I'll be in London soon to sit down with him."

Brooks is also hoping to find out whether he has been successful in bringing in some new faces.

He added: "I've got to meet with two players this week and hopefully I'll get an answer from them. One played in the Blue Square South last year while the other played a level below."

However, Brooks has ruled out any potential move for players released by neighbours Weymouth, saying: "We spoke to Jason Matthews last season and one or two others but we just can't get close to their wages."

The Magpies have secured pre-season friendlies with newly relegated Bournemouth and FA Cup finalists Portsmouth.

Dorchester will take on the Cherries at the Jewson Stadium on Friday, July 18 but the date for the visit of Premier League Pompey is still to be arranged.