The history of Dorchester Town Football Club can be traced back originally to 1871 and the founding of The Dorchester Football Club. Like many clubs of that era, the Club played the rules of football that later evolved to become what is known today as rugby, but nevertheless the club quickly “attained an enviable reputation for respectability and skill” according to the Dorset County Chronicle.

By the end of the decade, the craze of Association Rules for the game of football had swept along the south coast, and on Monday, 18th October 1880, the town’s men gathered in The Kings’ Arms Hotel to “resuscitate” The Dorchester Football Club under association rules. They would play their home games at The Recreation Ground on Weymouth Avenue, which was home to the cricket club in the summer months. Leonard Robinson became the club’s first-ever captain, a position he would hold for many years.

Due to the importance of the town’s economy to the wider region, while most of the country typically took their half-holiday on a Saturday afternoon, the townsfolk of Dorchester took theirs on a Thursday, the day after market day. While the Saturday team of Dorchester Football Club struggled in the Dorset League, the Thursday team excelled. The town’s unique weekend arrangements meant that many Dorchester clubs struggled to organise matches with opposition on Thursdays or to muster a team for Saturday matches outside of town. In the 1908/09 season, the club imposed a policy of only playing fellow Dorchester teams and visiting military teams.

However, this policy only lasted for one season, and in the following year, an alternative plan was drawn up. On 26 August 1910, representatives from Dorchester United (cricket), Rovers (cycling), Athletic, and Wanderers attended The Dorchester Football Club AGM and agreed to join them to create “a team worthy of the good old town of Dorchester.”

It was here that the club adopted its new name of Dorchester Town Football Club to signify its new united ambition for the town. In 1929, the club moved from the Recreation Ground to the dedicated Avenue Football Ground. Just five years later, a remarkable event took place at the ground on 30 August 1934. To commemorate the centenary of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, Lloyd George MP, the last of the Liberal Prime Ministers held a rally at a packed Avenue Ground. In the afternoon, Dorchester Town hosted the London Labour Football Club, followed in the evening by a game against an international workers’ XI.

With post-war football thriving across the country, the club joined the Western League in 1947 and two years later turned professional with Mr. K.W. Holland declaring, “People will not turn up in large numbers to watch Dorset league football.” With the club now averaging gates of between 1000-1500, the club were able to attract bigger names to the club - none more so than former Wolves Goalkeeper, Ken Bird, who joined as player-manager from AFC Bournemouth. Bird quickly led the Magpies to success, winning the Western League Championship in 1954/55. The same year also saw us reach the First Round Proper of the FA Cup. Qualifying rounds saw us score victories over Poole, Bournemouth Gasworks, Portland and Winchester. In the first round, the club hosted fellow non-leaguer's Bedford Town in front of a gate of 3,500. A 2-0 win saw the club rewarded with the plum tie of York City at home. A record crowd of 5,750 packed out the Avenuem Ground, but despite taking the lead, the Magpies would fall short, losing 5-2. York would go on to make the semi-finals that year.

The following year (1955/56), Dorchester Town once again made the first round proper. Having put aside Newport IoW in the final qualifying round, the club was drawn away to Norwich City. A packed Carrow Road saw the Magpies fall to a 4-0 defeat. They again reached the First Round proper in 1956/57. After being taken to a replay by Bideford, their reward was a trip to Loftus Road to face Queen’s Park Rangers, where they once again fell to a 4-0 defeat.For the fourth year running, Dorchester Town reached the First Round Proper in a campaign that really turned heads. A local derby was on the cards in the fourth qualifying round as the club was drawn away to then high-flying local rivals Weymouth. Almost 6,000 were in attendance as a 2-2 draw brought them back over the Ridge, where a packed-out Avenue Ground watched the Magpies defeat the old enemy 2-1. The prize was the visit of the then-famous amateur team - and indeed holders of the FA Amateur Cup - Wycombe Wanderers. The Magpies ran out 3-2 winners in a pulsating game. An away trip to Plymouth Argyle would await, but again, they would stumble to a heavy defeat to league opposition, this time 5-2.Then in ’59, Dorchester Town were at it again. A Dinky Curtis goal against Weymouth gave the club another derby cup victory and put them in the First Round hat, where they were drawn away to Port Vale. Bill Gillett equalised, but the team slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat.

The club joined the Southern League (South) in 1972 and five years later finished runners-up to Margate to gain promotion to the Premier Division. The following season saw the Magpies curtailed by the formation of The Alliance League (now The National League). Struggling in their initial season in the Premier Division (1978-79), they fell four places short of making the cut into the new league and were placed into the reformed Southern Division. Dorchester Town celebrated their centenary season by winning the Southern Division at the first time of asking, but with no promotion to the Alliance Premier in its first season of existence, they were denied the chance to play at the highest level of non-league football.

The following season, the club once again tasted FA Cup glory. A replay win over Minehead saw them rewarded with an all-Dorset clash at home to AFC Bournemouth in front of a sold-out Avenue Ground. A famous Paul Thorne goal took the club back to Dean Court, where a last gasp extra-time goal broke Magpies hearts.

A severe financial crisis hit in the mid-eighties, with relegation and near bankruptcy. However, a remarkable season in 1986/87 saw the club win the league and return to the Premier Division. Having come so close to losing the club in the late 80s, Peter Aiken and the board realised that the old Avenue Ground had begun to outlive its purpose and brokered a deal with Tesco and the landowners, the Duchy of Cornwall, to develop a new stadium for the club. The move saw Dorchester Town establish themselves in the Southern Premier in the early 90s, before Stuart Morgan took over and led the club to sixth in 1994/95 and fourth in 1997/98, along with cup success including reaching the FA Cup First Round Proper once again, where they were knocked out away at Oxford United,

That season also saw the club reach the last sixteen of the FA Trophy. Having beaten Slough, Sutton, and Salisbury, the club hosted Woking at a sold-out Avenue Stadium. In a highly eventful game that will go down in club folklore, the Cards (and eventual winners) scored in the last minute to win 3-2. After a poor start to the 1999/2000 season, manager Stuart Morgan was relieved of his position as manager and was replaced by Mark Morris. Morris was able to steer the club out of the relegation zone in his first season but was unable to repeat the feat the following season when the Magpies lost the Premier Division place they had held for fourteen seasons. That season did see the club again reach the FA Cup First Round Proper, where, despite taking the lead, they lost 2-1 away to high-flying Wigan Athletic.

The Magpies threatened to regain their Premier Division status in their first season in the Eastern Division but finished in third place. However, they achieved their objective the following season, when after a fine campaign with only five defeats, the club returned to the Premier Division as Champions.In the first season back in the Premier Division, the club reached the play-offs for promotion to the newly launched Conference South. Having won away at Bath City, a swan-song Matty Holmes performance inspired the stripes to a 2-0 victory over Tiverton at Exeter City’s St James’ Park to become founding members of the Conference South. The Magpies almost reached the play-offs once again in their inaugural season in the Conference South, but missed out on another promotion opportunity on the final day of the season. The following season saw Mark Morris resign to be replaced by Mick Jenkins.  Jenkins reign was short lived and the club went through a handful of managers until former Dorchester player and reserve team manager Phil Simkin took over. The club stalwart guided the Magpies to their greatest FA Cup triumph in the modern era as the club beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 in the first round proper, in a match televised live. The reward was a trip to Luton Town in the second round, where the Magpies narrowly lost 2-1 in a pulsating game. Simkin would lead the Magpies to eight in the Conference South the following season, before financial difficulties hit the club and they were subsequently relegated to the Southern Premier League South. Whilst the club fought to get its finances back in order, the club spent many years in the wilderness, constantly fighting against relegation.

That would eventually change when former player Glenn Howes returned to the club as manager and sparked a revival. That revival was further enhanced when Howes invited Tommy Killick to return to the club half way through the 23/24 season, to take over as manager, with Howes becoming his number two. Killick - an Avenue cult hero in his playing days - had seen remarkable success as manager at Poole Town, spanning well over a decade. Howes had been his number two at Poole for a number of years before embarking on his own managerial career, where he led Blackfield & Langley from the Wessex 1 to the Southern Premier League. Now reunited, the pair led Dorchester to 9th place in the 2023/24 season, before reaching the play-offs the following season. The Magpies would lose out to eventual play-off winners AFC Totton in the last minute of extra-time in a remarkable game.

Ryan Hall Goalkeeper Hall returned to the club on a permanent deal this summer, having previously enjoyed a loan spell with the Magpies from Aldershot Town during the 2022/23 season. Following his time with Aldershot, the keeper spent two campaigns with Isthmian Premier Division side Bognor Regis Town before linking up with boss Glenn Howes, who also signed him during his initial loan spell at The Avenue, at Gosport Borough last season.

Dale Hind Dual-registered with Wessex Premier League side Wincanton Town this season, keeper Hind trained with the Magpies squad throughout pre-season before signing over the summer. The former Lymington Town and Downton goalkeeper most recently played for Gillingham Town, featuring against the Magpies at The Avenue in our Dorset Senior Cup tie in the previous campaign.

Will Seeley Former AFC Bournemouth academy goalkeeper Seeley trained with the Magpies squad throughout pre-season, making his debut in our opening friendly against Downton, and also has non-league experience with AFC Stoneham, Romsey Town and Wincanton Town.

Harvey-Joe Bertrand An attacking right-back who is also comfortable in central defence, Bertrand is another returning Magpie back home at The Avenue this summer. Having made more than 50 appearances following his debut in 2022, when he joined on dual registration from Blackfield & Langley, the defender returned for a second spell after signing from Bashley in June 2026. The former AFC Bournemouth academy full-back also has Southern League experience with Wimborne Town.

Ieuan Turner A former U18s and U23s captain who has progressed through to the senior side, Turner made his Southern League debut for the club in 2023 and, prior to this season, had made 70 first team appearances in the heart of the Magpies defence. The promising central defender returned to The Avenue this summer fresh from a loan spell at Bashley, where he gained valuable Southern League Division One South experience during the previous campaign.

Will Spetch Club captain Spetch joined the club in September 2023 from neighbours Poole Town. A hugely experienced centre back, Spetch made over 450 appearances for the Dolphins, before switching to the Magpies where he is now in his fourth season. Having nearly reached a century of appearances in black and white in the Magpies defence, Spetch has also proved a major aerial threat from set-pieces, scoring 13 goals in that time - including a memorable last gasp injury-time header at Hungerford on the final day of the 2024/25 season, which secured a play-off place. The defender also took on the role of player/coach as part of Glenn Howes’ management staff this past summer.

Ollie Haste A versatile left-sided defender, Haste signed with Dorchester Town permanently from Yeovil Town in August 2024, following an impressive season on loan. Haste’s all action displays during his season-long loan saw him win the Supporters’ Player of the Season award, and he further delighted Magpies fans by making the move permanent the following summer, despite interest from numerous other clubs. Previously won the Southern Premier League South whilst on loan at Truro City and also spent a period on loan at his hometown club Barnstaple.

Tega Agberhiere A former Republic of Ireland youth international, Agberhiere signed in June 2026 having been part of the AFC Totton squad that won promotion to the National League South in the 2024/25 campaign. The attacking full-back arrived at The Avenue having progressed through the academy at Waterford in Ireland to U19 level, and then gained experience playing in the USA on a soccer scholarship at Western Texas College, before making a move to Norwegian Third Division side Florø SK. Following a season in Norway, the left sided defender then made the switch back to the UK with Totton in October 2024, with one of his first appearances coming against the Magpies in the FA Trophy.

Liam McFarlane Central defender McFarlane joined the club on a dual-registration deal from National League side Eastleigh in August 2026, where he is part of their Elite Development Squad, and arrived at The Avenue this summer having made his Spitfires first team debut during pre-season. The defender also has senior squad experience in non-league with Brockenhurst, Bashley and Totton & Eling over recent seasons.

Jay Williams Former Reading U21 central defender Williams, who previously came through the academy at AFC Bournemouth, spent the second half of last season on loan at the club, making 17 appearances in black and white during the previous campaign. Following a spell with Gosport Borough over this past pre-season, the centre-back - who has also played in central midfield - returned to The Avenue signing a permanent deal in August 2026.
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Corby Moore Vice-captain Moore joined the Magpies from Poole Town in September 2023 after making 260 appearances for the Dolphins and helping them win promotion to the National League South. The central midfielder began his career with Southampton before spells in the United States with Indy Eleven and a return to England with Forest Green Rovers, Bishop’s Stortford and Chelmsford City. Arriving at The Avenue alongside Will Spetch in 2023, Moore quickly established himself as a key part of the Magpies midfield and set-piece specialist, and prior to the start of the new season, he had made 127 appearances in black and white - the most of any player in the current squad.

Matt Buse Buse joined Dorchester Town in July 2024 from National League South side Truro City. A combative central midfielder, he has extensive experience at Step One and Two of the non-league ladder, having previously featured for clubs including Yeovil Town, Torquay United and Weymouth, whilst also making over 100 appearances for Taunton Town. In his debut season at The Avenue, Buse was a regular in the Magpies side, showing both his defensive and attacking versatility with appearances in addition to his usual central midfield role at wing-back and further forward in attacking midfield, as well as chipping in with his share of goals.

Tom Purrington Central midfielder Purrington returned to Dorchester Town this past summer after initially enjoying a loan spell at the club from Plymouth Argyle in 2019, before joining permanently for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign. The Exeter-born midfielder progressed through Argyle’s academy, earning a professional contract and making his first-team debut in the EFL Trophy in 2018. Having gone on to feature for Tiverton Town, Plymouth Parkway and most recently Taunton Town all at Southern League Premier South level over recent seasons, Purrington is now back in the Magpies midfield for a third spell.

Jack Winsor Former Torquay United midfielder Winsor progressed through the club's academy before signing his first professional contract at Plainmoor, and has since gone on to gain valuable Southern League experience with Willand Rovers and, more recently, AFC Bideford, where he made more than 100 appearances across the past three and half seasons. Winsor signed in August 2026 having impressed boss Glenn Howes during pre-season.

Henry Spalding Joined the Magpies on loan from Poole Town in August 2026. Having previously made over 200 appearances for Swindon Supermarine across a number of seasons, the 28-year-old midfielder also has experience with spells at Hungerford Town and Gosport Borough over recent years, before he joined the Dolphins at the start of last season, where he was a regular fixture in their side. Spalding made an instant impact on his debut with a goal and an assist, scoring less than two minutes after coming off the bench in our FA Cup win over Winchester.

Ethan Taylor A prolific goalscorer, former Southampton academy striker Taylor scored 80 goals in just over 200 appearances for AFC Totton, playing a key role in the team's rise through the Southern League. During his time with the Stags, he helped the side secure two promotions in three seasons, which included scoring their decisive winning goal in the 2024/25 play-off final. Having joined Gosport Borough last summer, and after enjoying a productive campaign with another double-digit goal tally, scoring 13 league goals, the forward reunites with boss Glenn Howes once again having worked with him at both Totton and Gosport to become the Magpies new No 9.

Jayden Nielsen A wide player comfortable on either wing, Nielsen arrived at Dorchester Town this summer following two seasons with Taunton Town. A former Bristol City apprentice, the winger also spent a number of successful years with Bristol Manor Farm in the Southern League Division One South, making a big contribution as they reached two play-off finals in three seasons, and which also included being voted in the Southern League Division One South Team of the Season during his last campaign playing at this level in 2023/24.

Matty Burrows Former AFC Totton, Wimborne Town and Portland United winger Burrows arrived at The Avenue in June 2026 following a season at Weymouth. The pacey forward, who off the pitch works as an academy coach at Champion Sports Group based at the stadium, has a history with winning the Southern League Division One South, having been a part of the AFC Totton squad that won the title in the 2022/23 season, as well as spending a spell on loan at Wimborne during their title-winning campaign the following year.  

Freddie Beale A talented hometown winger, Beale was part of AFC Bournemouth’s academy for several years before joining Eastleigh where he has progressed through their academy over the past three seasons. Having signed for Magpies boss Glenn Howes ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 season, the teenage forward has also gained valuable first team experience with Portland United and, more recently, Brockenhurst, where during an impressive campaign he scored 15 goals and scooped the Supporters’ Player of the Season award.

Kyran Samadi Former Eastleigh academy and Poole Town winger Samadi originally joined the club in the summer of 2024, making a number of appearances throughout the season as the Magpies finished in the play-off places. After featuring for Bashley last season, during which he made his international debut for the British Virgin Islands in November before scoring his first international goal a few days later, the attacker re-joined the club this summer after featuring throughout pre-season.
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Fin Murray Previously part of Eastleigh's academy, Murray arrived at The Avenue following a season with Gosport Borough where he impressed as part of their U18s side and progressed into the first team setup - which included making his full senior debut under now-Magpies boss Glenn Howes in the Hampshire Senior Cup in early 2026. The forward, who usually plays just behind the striker in the number 10 role, also made his Southern League Premier South debut for Gosport on the final day of last season. Murray is dual-registered with Horndean this campaign.

Ilya Ihnatenko Dual registered from National League side Eastleigh in August 2026, striker Ihnatenko arrived fresh from spending pre-season with the Spitfires senior squad, impressing in a number of their first team friendlies. Having finished as the top goalscorer in the U19 National League Alliance Division E during the previous campaign with 23 goals, the forward also has first team experience with Downton and Bemerton Heath Harlequins, where he also finished as their top goalscorer last season.
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Glenn Howes – Manager Former Magpies midfielder Howes has a long association with the club and needs little introduction to supporters – known for his all action and fully committed displays in the heart of the midfield during his playing days in black and white, he returned to the club over 15 years later in the dugout as manager, where he and his coaching staff turned the club around and oversaw a revival in our fortunes, before later linking up with Tom Killick as his assistant which led to us finishing in the play-off places the season before last. After making the hard decision to depart the club after four years last summer, and following a season as manager at league rivals Gosport Borough, Howes returned home to The Avenue for a second spell in charge in May 2026. Howes also has history with the Southern League Division One South title - having first been appointed as Magpies manager in 2021 from AFC Totton, who at the time sat top of the division, he also previously won that league title with Blackfield & Langley during an incredibly successful five-year spell.

Brian Churchill – Coach Churchill is an experienced UEFA B Licence qualified coach, who has previously been involved with AFC Bournemouth’s academy, as well as spells at Swanage Town & Herston and Hamworthy United. Having been involved with the first team for a number of seasons, Churchill was also previously manager of the club’s highly successful U23 side, which included an incredible treble winning season as league champions, cup winners and shield winners - a side which featured two current first team players in Ieuan Turner and Lewis Toms - in the 2022/23 campaign.

Jason Brookes – Coach A former Magpies midfielder, Brookes first made his debut at The Avenue back in 2014 and is fondly remembered by many supporters after spending almost six years in black and white across two spells with the club. Away from the first team, he also played an important role off the pitch including coaching our Dorchester Town Ability Counts team. Now a UEFA A Licence qualified coach, Brookes has built up a wealth of experience over a number of years through his work with Eastleigh academy and AFC Bournemouth academy, plus a season on the first team staff at Eastleigh in the National League and agreed to join boss Glenn Howes’ new first team coaching staff ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Steve Dodge – Goalkeeper Coach Our long-serving goalkeeper coach with over 14 years of service since joining in 2012, Dodge was an experienced goalkeeper featuring for Dorchester Town, Weymouth, Bashley and Christchurch amongst others, before moving into coaching with Portland United. A retired detective for the Dorset Police, Dodge also played for the Dorset Police team for fifteen seasons, as well as their veterans side.

Lewis Carolan – Sports Therapist Carolan joined the Magpies first team staff this past summer with experience in local non-league football after spending more than two years as sports therapist at Bashley. He is also very familiar with The Avenue, having previously completed a placement at the club while studying for his degree a few seasons ago.