PORTLAND United have confirmed that Mark Carter will be staying on with the club as assistant-manager to new boss Simon Browne.

Carter was a key component of the backroom staff behind former manager Gary Bailey during the Blues’ triumph in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division last season.

With Browne in the early phases of his tenure, he told Echosport it was a “no-brainer” to preserve Carter’s position at Grove Corner.

“In terms of the players and the people up there I didn’t see any reason to change it around too much because of the success of last season. Reggie (Mark) played a big part in that success and club was keen to keep him.

“I’ve known him for a while and it was a no brainer to keep going.

“He’s hot property because he was wanted by Brendon King at Hamworthy. I’m pleased he’s staying on and I’m looking forward to working with him,” he said.

Browne revealed that initial discussions with Carter had gone well and added the pair are “on the same wavelength.”

“He’s got a great relationship with the players, that was evident from the conversations I had with Robin (Satherley, chairman). He’s got a decent knowledge of local football and has some good contacts.

“The conversations we’ve had were on the same wavelength in terms of the way we want to do things, which is always good,” he said.

n Portland United’s pre-season gets underway at Bridport on Tuesday, July 18 before a tricky test against Dorchester Town at Grove Corner on Tuesday, July 25.