DORCHESTER Town’s players must lead from the front and get others to follow in the club’s ongoing bid for survival.

That is the view of Stuart Heath as he and Nick Crittenden prepare to take the Magpies into the first game of the post-Graham Kemp era.

And it could not be a much bigger fixture for the county town side tomorrow, with fellow strugglers Banbury United the visitors to the Avenue for a huge Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division six-pointer (3pm).

Heath and midfielder Crittenden are in temporary charge of the team while a replacement for former boss Kemp is sought.

For Heath, assistant to Kemp and his predecessor Phil Simkin, the manager’s job is not something he is interested in, though he told Echosport he would support Crittenden should the veteran go for the position.

The primary focus, however, is on Banbury and securing a first league win in 10 attempts.

“We’ve got to be fully focused on what is going to be one of the biggest games the club has had in the last few years,” said Heath.

“Dorchester have had some big matches since I’ve been at the club but this, and the games that follow, are more important for the survival of this club than any others.

“It was crucial that as soon as Graham made his decision we refocused the players and made them fully aware of the importance of the game, especially with it being against a team below us.

“The players really need to take the lead in making things happen.

“They need to get the crowd behind them early in the game and show people how much they want to survive in this league.

“If they show intensity and desire then it will filter down to the fans and we can start to gain some momentum.”

“Everyone, including the players, coaching staff, board members and supporters, has to realise that survival is the target we all have to work towards.

“It really is a time for everybody to look at themselves and what contribution they can make.

“Hard work, togetherness and everyone contributing is how we will survive – everybody has a role to play.

“We’ll go into the game with as much belief as we can while the board works to get the right people in charge.”

Heath was full of respect for Kemp after the latter’s decision to step down following the 2-1 defeat at Chippenham.

And he has his own thoughts about which direction the club should go in next.

He added: “You want two people who have got character and the experience needed to help us survive.

“I think the club needs two fresh faces on the management side of things to take the team forward.

“This might be an opportunity for Critts to come in, have a go, and prove that he could be the next Dorchester manager.

“Nick is well-respected throughout football and especially by our players and supporters.

“If Nick is one of those two then that would be great because I think he’s got the potential to do it.

“I would fully support Nick if he wanted to push himself forward for the manager’s job.

“My intention is to concentrate on coaching rather than managing, whether that’s at Dorchester or elsewhere.”

Meanwhile, writing on Twitter, Crittenden, who could return to the side after a back problem, said: “I believe I have a lot to offer the team and will give it my best for however long it may be.

“I know I have the respect of my team-mates which is crucial if we want to succeed.

“We need to inject that love for football that everyone had as a kid and results will follow.”

Magpies’ defender Matt Oldring is suspended for the Banbury clash following his red card against Poole.

Bournemouth yesterday recalled Mason Walsh from his loan spell at the Avenue on the back of Kemp’s departure.

Magpies (from): Murphy, Lanahan, Smeeton, Gleeson, Dillon, Morgan, Watson, Walker, Smith, Odam, Brookes, Godfrey, Peart, Walker-Harris, Crittenden