PORTLAND United assistant-manager Jake Richmond admitted he is “absolutely loving” his time at Grove Corner.

Richmond became boss Simon Browne’s seventh number two of the season when Rich Robson stepped away to focus on managing Dorchester Town reserves due to health reasons.

Now, Richmond is back in football after a 30-month break from the sport which began when he left the managerial hotseat at Weymouth reserves in 2015, and is relishing his new role.

He told Echosport: “It’s a fantastic club to be at, everyone does everything right, I’ve loved it.

“I’ve dipped in and out but I’ve had a good two-and-a-half year break, I’m absolutely loving it. I’m loving having to plan sessions again.

“I didn’t realise what a fantastically well-organised club it is. They’re striving to be a big club in the area and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t happen.

“I’ve only been involved six or seven weeks but the committee have supported us and it’s absolutely brilliant, I’m buzzing with it.

“I look forward to Saturdays and look forward to Thursdays so that’s got to tell you something.”

Richmond was also full of praise for Browne, the pair having played youth football together.

“I played with him about 100 years ago! I’ve not known him that well but I tell you what, he gets a bad press off some people.

“He takes his football seriously, doesn’t take any nonsense and that’s right up my street. You’re trying to be as good as you can possibly be. He ticks all the boxes.

“He’s brave to take on the challenge (after Gary Bailey). I’ve found him to be first class. I like people that take their football seriously, so it’s all positive,” he said.