SHANE Murphy will remain in between the sticks for Hamworthy United next season, the Southern League newcomers have announced.

Goalkeeper Murphy impressed last campaign as the Hammers lifted the Wessex Premier League title and reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase, thanks in part to the heroics of the 29-year-old during penalty shootouts.

Formerly on the books at Cherries, Murphy is a well-known shot-stopper in the local area after spells in the Southern League with Dorchester Town and AFC Totton. Murphy also spent time on loan at Hamworthy’s Dorset neighbours Wimborne Town, with the sides now sharing a division for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

Since re-joining at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, Murphy has made 63 appearances for the Hammers.

Max Buckler and Eddie Hodge will also extend their stays at the County Ground next campaign.

After starting his career in the West of Dorset with Bridport, Buckler has slowly drifted eastwards throughout the years. A spell with Portland United preceded a brief stint with Dorchester Town, before Buckler joined Hamworthy ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Hodge came through the youth ranks at Hammers to become a first-team regular, with highlights including his fantastic winner in the FA Vase against Glebe.

His screamer after coming off the bench sent Hamworthy into the sixth round of the FA Vase, completing a comeback from 2-0 behind to win 3-2.