BRIDPORT manager Trevor Senior has revealed the latest on Ryan Dovell’s ongoing injury saga, and is hopeful his key man can return to action during pre-season.

The knee-injury victim suffered medial ligament damage when the Bees took on Highworth Town in the FA Vase back in November, and has been sidelined ever since.

“He has had the results from the MRI scan and there is good news in the respect that he doesn’t need an operation,” Senior said.

“Hopefully he will be back for the next season and is a massive player for us.

“You know what you are going to get with him and he leads by example, he is in his thirties now and still plays with the same enthusiasm as a teenager. He only knows one way to play and trains exactly the same way, he gives 100 per cent.”

While Dovell is unable to take to the field for Bridport in a playing capacity at present, he is still doing all he can to help the club.

Senior added: “Whenever he can be there he is still there. He has been with us on the bench and doing the warm-ups if any of my coaching staff are missing.

“He has even turned up at training on a couple of occasions just to watch for a bit. You can tell he is frustrated because he wants to be out there and at training.”

And without the former Dorchester Town man, Senior admitted his absence has been tough to deal with during their stuttering form since the turn of the year.

"I would say he has been our biggest loss,” he added.

“I know one man doesn’t make a team but he makes a big difference.

“He is experienced and knows the game and would have been able to help the lads on the pitch. But it’s just the way football is sometimes, it was just a freak accident.”

The Bees’ next fixture comes at Willand Rovers in the Toolstation Western Premier Division on Wednesday (7.30pm).