WINGER Marcus Daws has chosen to leave Dorchester Town in favour of a move to AFC Totton.

Daws, 20, was a key element in the Magpies’ turnaround last season as Dorchester leapt from 20th place in January to ninth by the end of term.

He joins a big-spending Totton side who will be overwhelming favourites to gain promotion from the Southern League Premier South after missing out in the play-off final to Salisbury in May.

Daws exits Dorchester having scored three goals in 20 appearances for the club.

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Speaking to AFC Totton’s official website, Stags’ boss Jimmy Ball spoke highly of the fleet-footed wide man.

“Marcus is a very exciting young talent in the local area, who already has two seasons' worth of experience in the league with Poole Town and Dorchester,” he said.

“He played a lot of football in the Poole Town team that reached the play-offs in 2022/23, so he understands this league.

“Luton Town (had) a good look at him and I know that other clubs were interested in him, as well.

“He has a tremendous attitude and a desire to better himself, and I believe we can help him to find his way back into the professional game.

“His experience of international football will be valuable to us, bringing that experience of the game at a different level.

“He’s an exciting, attacking player who can play on the right, on the left or through the middle, which brings a welcome versatility to my team.

“He’s hungry to play and succeed and to take himself back into professional football, and I’m delighted that he’s chosen to come to us to achieve that.

“It’s great to have young players like (Marcus) look at our club as a pathway back to the professional game – it shows that we are moving in the right direction as a football club.”

Magpies’ manager Tom Killick knew of big interest in the former Poole winger and did not expect to keep him for an extended period of time.

Last season, Daws caught the attention of Barnsley but a move failed to materialise for the ex-Bournemouth man.

Before moving to Dorchester, the Northern Ireland Under-21 international was at Luton Town.

Daws becomes the fourth player to exit the Avenue Stadium this season after Will Fletcher, Jonny Efedje and Lewis Waterfield.

Daws’ departure comes just 12 hours after Dorchester announced their first new addition of the summer, securing centre-back Tom Bragg from Salisbury.