ECHOSPORT has learned that Julian Dicks is in pole position for the vacant manager’s role at Dorchester Town.

After receiving a host of applications in the wake of Ashley Vickers’ departure last month, and then undergoing several interviews for the post, the county town board had whittled their shortlist down to four men.

The quartet included Dicks, former Portsmouth keeper Alan Knight, Frome Town boss Darren Perrin and current caretaker Phil Simkin.

However, the West Ham legend is the preferred candidate and could be appointed in time for tomorrow night’s fans’ forum at the Avenue Stadium (6pm), which is followed by a Dorset Senior Cup tie with Poole Town.

Darren Lewis, a partner of Dicks’ representatives PMS Sports International, said: “We have been asked what sort of package Julian would like, we have put one forward and we are just waiting to hear back. So we are in negotiations.

“Julian is very keen and I guess the club are as well. He feels he can take the club forward so hopefully we are not too far away from getting something sorted.”

Speaking after Saturday’s FA Trophy exit at the hands of Gosport Borough, caretaker-boss Phil Simkin said he will only stay at Dorchester Town should “the right person” be appointed.

Asked if he would be happy to remain at the Avenue, should someone else take the reins on a permanent basis, Simkin replied: “If the right person comes in and we got on and he wanted me to stay here and work then I would consider it.

“If the right person doesn’t come in and we don’t get on and he doesn’t want me then I guess that’s the end of the line.”

Meanwhile, AFC Bournemouth loanee Gary Bowles has left the Magpies and returned to his parent club while striker Rico Wilson has joined Wimborne Town on a month’s deal.

Simkin added: “All I know is that Gary has returned to Bournemouth full-time, that’s it. I don’t know the ins and outs of it, only that he’s back with them and not available for us.

“With Rico, there is a gentleman’s agreement he’ll be there for a month.”