PHIL Simkin wants keeper Regan Coward to remain at the Avenue Stadium despite the club closing in on a season-long loan deal for AFC Bournemouth stopper Dan Thomas.

The Dorchester Town assistant-manager told Echosport yesterday that Coward still has a future at the Magpies but admitted the final decision lies solely with the player himself.

A third stint in the county town looks nailed on for Thomas after Cherries’ boss Lee Brad-bury confirmed the ongoing talks earlier this week following the 19-year-old’s decision to sign a new one-year contract.

Simkin said: “I am not aware the deal has been confirmed yet but I do know it is part of our plans and we hope it happens.

“Dan did very well in two spells with us last season and he is an exceptional keeper at this level.

“However, keeper loans always carry a 24-hour recall and that is why it is very important we have two good keepers at the club.

“Hopefully, Regan will stay with us and compete for the jersey but of course that decision lies with him.”

Commenting further on the club’s close links with the Npower League One outfit, Simkin went on to add: “We have a very good relationship with AFC Bournemouth.

“They have done us a lot of favours and we have done some for them as well.

“We brought Danny Ings along a lot in the three months he was here last season and look at him now, so it is very much a two-way thing.”