Steve stays

Magpies’ boss Ashley Vickers revealed the news to Echosport yesterday after the midfielder’s four-day trial at the Npower League One club came to an end.

The Daggers were said to have been “impressed” with the former Dorset Premier League star and will keep tabs on him throughout the Blue Square Bet South campaign.

A delighted Vickers said: “He made a good impression while he was there and Dagenham are still keen on him. But he has returned to us now and I will welcome him back with open arms.

“Dagenham’s manager John Still will continue to monitor him but until we receive a firm offer, he will stay with us.

“If he continues to play well the chances of him going increase. He wants to do well for us and for himself so it’s a win-win situation.”

Devlin is therefore available for selection for tomorrow’s derby with Weymouth at the Bob Lucas Stadium (3pm).

Dorchester fans will be keen to see their side prosper, particularly after suffering two defeats at the hands of the Terras last season.

However, former Weymouth defender Vickers has played down the importance of the friendly encounter.

He added: “The game holds a lot of value with the supporters but it’s important we put it into perspective as it doesn’t actually matter in terms of league position.

“It’s a chance to work on things that we want to take into the season. Both sides will want to give a good account of themselves but the most important thing is that nobody, from either side, gets injured.

“If the players feel they have a score to settle they must be professional and do it in the right way.”

Ex-Magpie Jules Emati-Emati was set to sign non-contract terms for the Terras last night and will no doubt be champing at the bit ahead of tomorrow’s derby.

The Cameroon striker failed to deliver on his potential at the Avenue Stadium last season but Terras’ boss Ian Hutch-inson believes a step down to the Zamaretto Premier Division could do him the world of good.

He said: “Jules has been working very hard and I still believe there is a little more to come from him yet. He is a good lad and there are signs that he has something about him.

“I have been happy with his pro-gress and I think the goal he scored in last Saturday’s win over Longwell Green has given him a big boost in confidence. He certainly deserves the chance to have a go.”

However, one player leaving the Radipole Lane outfit is Matt Kemble.

The ex-AFC Bournemouth youth team striker has been let go by Hutch-inson after Bournemouth Poppies offered him the chance to move to Victoria Park.

The manager added: “I had to let Matt go because at this stage I am not in a position to offer him anything. We wish him well.”

New-signing Ben Gerring is expected to start for Weymouth tomorrow and it is hoped he will be joined by ex-Bath City midfielder Lee Collier, who impressed in the 1-0 victory over Hamworthy United on Tuesday.

Sam Clarke has recovered from a knock and is expected to be included in the squad, while doubts still hang over Simon Radcliffe and Lewis Ironside.

Hutchinson said: “Lee provided that bit of experience in the middle of the park that we have been looking for and it will be good to take another look at him if he is able to come down.

“Simon trained last night and could be involved while we will be leaving the decision on Lewis to the last minute.”

On the prospect of facing the Mag-pies, Hutchinson added: “It’s a derby, so there will be a lot of pride at stake. Dorchester have several former Wey-mouth players and they will no doubt be looking to come back and give a good account of themselves.

“They are strong and physical, and we will have to be on our mettle to stand a chance. First and foremost it will be about winning those individual battles but we will also have to be brave and make sure we do the right things once we get on the ball.”