MARK Jermyn praised Ben Watson as a “tremendous player” after the striker left the Avenue for a second spell at Evo-Stik Southern League South & West outfit Bideford.

Watson played for the Robins in the 2014-15 season but moved back to the Magpies last season appearing 35 times and scoring 11 goals in an 18-month spell.

Now he moves back to the Devon club and the manager feels it was the correct deal for both parties.

Speaking about the striker’s departure, Jermyn told Echosport: “He’s been a tremendous player for Dorchester over the years and it is sad to see him go.

“But it is the right time for us to venture in and see who is available.

“The problem for Ben was the travel arrangements. He was travelling all that way (from Devon) on his own and it was tough on him.

“It’s a massive commitment, so as much as we will miss him, we wish him all the best.”

Jermyn did talk to Watson about staying on at the Avenue, however, after discussions both parties agreed it was the right move.

Plans are already in place to replace the experienced attacker with Jermyn inviting players to pre-season to see if they can add something to his frontline.

Talking about pre-season, Jermyn added: “Everybody reports back to training on Thursday.

“I am excited now as we have the majority of the squad together.

“After the next three or four weeks we want the squad to be settled so we can focus on the coming season.

After two weeks of training, Dorchester’s first pre-season game will be on Tuesday, July 12 against Yeovil Town at the Avenue.