DORCHESTER Town today hope to appoint a new manager, with chairman Shaun Hearn admitting the 33-day search needs to be “put to bed”.

As revealed in yesterday’s Echosport, West Ham legend Julian Dicks had entered negotiations over the vacant role but it is believed caretaker-boss Phil Simkin and Portsmouth legend Alan Knight remain in contention.

Whatever the outcome, Hearn hopes to make an announcement in time for this evening’s fans’ forum at the Avenue Stadium (6pm), which is followed by the Dorset Senior Cup tie with lower-league Poole Town (7.45pm).

Speaking last night to Echosport, the county town businessman said: “It’s ongoing as a couple of things haven’t come to a conclusion yet but hopefully it will be done by tomorrow afternoon as it’s got to be put to bed.

“We have looked at Phil’s situation as well and we have discussed all options again as things do change in football all the time.”

Hearn went on to add: “We have met with Phil and Mark Jermyn (last night), we had a chat with them and they are aware of the situation, hopefully we will be able to move forward tomorrow.

“We have always said we will have them involved in any decisions we make and that’s what we have discussed with them.

“They will both be at the fans’ forum.”

Meanwhile, leading scorer Ryan Moss looks set to leave the club in the New Year after announcing on Facebook that he has accepted a new job in North London.