Dorchester net Callum Buckley and Jake Graziano as Alfie Stanley exits

Centre-back Buckley has become integral to Glenn Howes’ side and is now set to embark on his third full campaign at the Avenue Stadium.

Dorchester and Buckley have been engaged in talks for several weeks and the Magpies have now finalised terms with the former Weymouth and Aldershot defender.

Buckley could make his 100th club appearance in the new season, with 85 games and a single goal currently under his belt.

READ MORE: Kieran Douglas leaves Dorchester for Bognor Regis

In a club statement, boss Howes admitted Buckley is “absolutely vital” to the Dorchester setup.

Howes said: “After protracted discussions it gives us great pleasure in announcing the signature of the skipper Callum Buckley and I’m sure our supporters will agree this is worth the wait.

“There is a good reason Callum has been ever present since we came to this football club and we’re so pleased our association will continue.

“I know he’s highly motivated to break 100-plus appearances for the club and this experience Callum has gained, along with the leadership qualities he possesses, are going to be absolutely vital for this young team and the campaign ahead.”

Dorchester have also added midfielder Jake Graziano to their ranks for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign.

The midfielder, also comfortable at full-back, completed a spell on loan at The Avenue to finish the previous season and made four appearances.

Graziano joins from Yeovil Town where he skippered the Glovers’ under-18 side.

Last season he also had experience in the Western League Premier with Sherborne Town, playing 11 times for the Zebras.

Howes said: “Jake is another one of last season’s loan players who has committed for the season ahead.

“In his short spell with us, Jake more than demonstrated his competency at Step 3 and played a vital part in reinvigorating the team to improve the side’s form at the back end of last season.

“Although tender in years, Jake’s attitude and understanding of the game supports his versatility and we’re thankful to Matt (Percival), Chris (Todd) and Yeovil Town Under-18s for allowing this to happen.” 

Buckley and Graziano take the Magpies’ summer signings to 14 after Lloyd Thomas, Leighton Thomas plus Alex Moyse, Olaf Koszela, Jordan Ngalo, Harvey-Joe Bertrand, Jordi Foot, Louie Slough, Tiago Sa, Lewis Toms, Lewis Waterfield and Shaq Gwengwe.

However, former Portsmouth forward Stanley, 22, leaves the Avenue having scored 23 goals in 80 appearances for the Magpies.

His efforts included a phenomenal hat-trick at Tiverton, including a 50-yard lob, plus the pivotal winner at Salisbury in 2021/22 as Dorchester escaped relegation.

Stanley began the 2022/23 campaign with a double in a 2-1 win over North Leigh but went long spells without a goal.

After netting at Hartley Wintney in January, he went three months before adding to his tally against Hendon in April, finishing with ten goals for the season.

In a statement, Dorchester said: “We thank Alfie for all of his efforts over the past couple of seasons, including scoring a number of important goals for the club, and we would like to wish him all the very best for the future.”

Magpies’ boss Glenn Howes added: “We’re very thankful for Alfie’s contribution to the team, his professionalism and dedication to the game is one of the best I’ve witnessed.

“Alfie has produced many special moments for the club and supporters and we of course wish Alfie well with his next venture.”

Stanley is the fifth player to leave the Avenue this summer after Kieran Douglas, Harvey Bradbury, Matty Neale and Charlie Gunson.