STEVE Devlin will complete a remarkable climb up the Football ladder if his trial at Dagenham & Redbridge proves successful.

The Dorchester Town midfielder caught the eye of the League One side’s hierarchy when he netted a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw between the two sides a fortnight ago.

The Daggers have declared their interest in the former Holt United man and will cast judgement this week before deciding on whether to make a bid.

Should he join the Essex outfit, the move would mark a sensational rise for Devlin given the fact that just 10 months ago he was playing Dorset Premier League football – eight divisions below England’s third tier.

Magpies’ manager Ashley Vickers is desperate to keep hold of his tenacious wide man, but admits he would be powerless to stop Devlin moving on to a bigger club.

Explaining the situation, former Dagenham defender Vickers said: “He’s going to play a couple of friendly games for Dagenham and train with the first team. He goes with our best wishes and I hope he gives a good account of himself.

“I don’t want him to leave the club as he’s a very important player for us but by the same token myself and the chairman Shaun Hearn aren’t in the habit of stopping footballers from progressing and fulfilling their dreams.

“They haven’t made an offer for him yet and they won’t do unless they want to pursue it after the trial period is up. Obviously if they do then we would get a fee for him. If he does go then it has to be right for us as a club and for Devs.

“First and foremost he’s a Dorchester player and if he does come back I’m sure he’ll be better for the experience.

“Credit to him for the way he’s progressed and climbed the ladder so rapidly. Devs is an honest and extremely loyal lad, and has all the qualities that I, and other managers such as John Still at Dagenham, like.

“He jumped five leagues going from Holt to us and went on to be named supporters’ player of the year last season. I’d love him to stay from a selfish point of view but you can’t stop players progressing.”

Saturday’s 5-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth could prove to be Devlin’s last game in a Dorchester shirt.

* Dorchester missed out on a £2,000 windfall at the weekend as their selected horse Ancien Regime, ridden by Frankie Dettori, came last in the Football Conference’s Stewards’ Cup on Saturday.