NICK Holmes has made a late bid to become the next manager of Dorchester Town.

The former Salisbury City boss was in the stands on Saturday, as the Magpies stretched their unbeaten run to six games following a goalless draw with high-flying Sutton United, and Echosport understands that the 57-year-old has formally applied for the vacant role.

Holmes was also joined at the Avenue Stadium by fellow candidates Julian Dicks and Des Bulpin but chairman Shaun Hearn is keeping his cards close to his chest.

The county town businessman said: “There were a few guys who came along to the game and they were made very welcome. To be fair to everybody, if people are interested in becoming manager of this club they need to know what the club is all about.”

Holmes is expected to be interviewed for the post within the next 48 hours but Hearn insists there will be no rush in their bid to select a permanent successor to Ashley Vickers.

He added: “When results are going well, which they have been of late, there’s no need to rush. We need to be building for the future and that’s what we intend to do.”

Asked if Simkin’s record of 11 points from a possible 15 in Blue Square Bet South had made the decision any more difficult, Hearn replied: “It’s always going to be difficult either way, but with the calibre of people applying for the job we had to speak to them.

“We’ve spoken to Phil at length and he’s aware of the situation, but it’s not about individuals, it’s about the football club.

“No individual is bigger than the club and we need to do what we feel is right for us going forward.

“We do need to put it to bed and stabilise everything but Phil and Gary Borthwick have been fantastic and I would love to see them be a part of the future of this football club.

“Phil could not have done any more than he’s done. He is a genuine guy and he deserves to be treated with respect.

“The change in performances, results and luck has been fantastic and it’s bought us a bit of time.

“It’s the board’s decision and we will sit down this week about going forward.

“We’ve got a massive game next weekend but we can’t ask for any more than we’re getting at the moment.”

Other names in the frame include ex-Portsmouth keeper Alan Knight, former AFC Bournemouth youth coach Joe Roach and Frome Town boss Darren Perrin.