STARLET Lewis Beale believes he owes it to Wimborne’s fans to remain at the club after their relegation.

A shining light in what proved a dim season for the Magpies, Beale turned down advances from clubs closer to home in order to remain at New Cuthbury.

Youngster Beale, who came through Eastleigh’s Elite Development Squad, first joined the Magpies on an initial one-month loan in September 2020.

Portsmouth-born Beale was given his first taste of senior football with two loan spells at United Services Portsmouth in the Wessex League.

He returned to Wimborne prior to the start of the last campaign, finishing the season as the club’s top goalscorer with 17 strikes in 46 appearances.

Alongside a loan spell with Met Police, Beale has previous experience in the Southern League’s second tier, after a loan spell with AFC Totton – a side Wimborne will cross paths with next campaign.

With the addition of defenders Oakley Hanger and Ashley Wells from Dorset namesakes Dorchester Town, Wimborne now have eight players tied down for the upcoming campaign.

Speaking to the club’s website, James Stokoe added: “This is another good re-signing for us.

“Bealey (Lewis Beale) scored 17 goals last season (with) 5 assists.

“At still only 21 he will get better and better.

“To keep him when he had other clubs more local to himself is a massive achievement for us as a club, and we look forward to seeing him in a Wimborne shirt next season.”

Lewis Beale himself added “I’m happy to sign on for the upcoming season.

“It was a tough season last year, and I feel we owe it to the fans to give it a right good go at getting straight back up.

“I’m looking forward to getting started, and showing everyone what this club is all about, getting us back to where we should be.”

The club have now extended the services of Harry Morgan, Connal Morrison, Ben Scorey, Louis Kellaway and Beale, whilst Dan Bartlett signed an 18-month deal on his arrival from Poole Town midway through the 2021-22 campaign.

Goalkeeper Gerard Benfield has announced his departure from the New Cuthbury. A heavily rated shotstopper, Benfield finished last season with the Magpies after being released by Weymouth.