MARK Docherty is in no rush to decide his future but the defender insists he would like to stay on at Dumbarton next season.

The 27-year-old has still to meet with manager Stevie Aitken to discuss his future but was already offered terms last week.

With his wedding coming up in a few weeks' time, Docherty admits his thoughts have been elsewhere, but he’s assured Sons fans that he is hopeful of extending his stay at the club having enjoyed his debut season.

He said: “I’ve been really busy trying to sort things out for my wedding in a few weeks but I spoke to him (Aitken) over the weekend.

“He’s offered me a new contract. I get on really well with the manager, I’ve worked with him before so there’s no rush.

“I need some time to think about it but I've really enjoyed it this season, it is a great club and a great group of boys. Fingers crossed we can get the details ironed out and hopefully I’ll be staying at Dumbarton.”

May looks set to be a nerve-racking month for Sons fans with 10 squad members currently mulling over offers to stay at the Rock.

Docherty admits the players will be keeping an eye on who chooses to stay before deciding their own future.

One player who won’t be at the club next season is Kevin Cawley, who was released and has rejoined Alloa.

Cawley is one of Docherty’s best friends in football and he admits he was disappointed to see him go.

Docherty said: “It's a big thing that happens at every club, players want to know who is staying before they decide their own future. It’s a question I’ll be regularly asking the manager – who he will be bringing in and who might leave.

“I think a lot of people would’ve been surprised by it, I was really disappointed he didn’t get offered a contract. It was a really difficult one for the manager and Stevie Farrell. I’ve spoken to Faz myself and he said the same, both of them were losing sleep over it a bit."

“Kevin is a boy who brings a lot to the club, off the park as well as on it.”

Former Alloa man Docherty has become a fans' favourite at the Rock. He wears his heart on his sleeve and fans have taken to him after a consistent season. Docherty praised the Sons faithful and believes they are a big draw to stay.

He said: “The fans have been great. I think fans pick up on players quite quickly and know if they are genuine. They can see how hard you work,“I think fans appreciate players who work really hard and give 100 per cent and throughout my career that’s been one of my qualities in my career.”