DORCHESTER Town have appointed former player Simon Browne as the club’s new reserve-team boss.

Browne, who had two spells with the Magpies in his playing days, will be assisted by Neil Mackie.

Mackie and Jay Keating jointly managed the side last season, since when the latter has taken over at Wessex League outfit Folland Sports.

Ex-Terras defender Browne returns to football after 18 months out of the game – his last job was as manager of Hamworthy United.

“A couple of jobs came up after I finished at Hamworthy but they weren’t really what I was looking for,” Browne told Echosport. “I threw my hat into the ring for a few others but nothing happened with those.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to get back into the game if you leave it too long, so I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.

“I think Mark Jermyn (Dorchester manager) had heard I was looking to get back and he needed someone to help run the reserves.

“I used to play with and against Jem and I’ve got a lot of time for him, he is Dorchester through and through.”

As for his remit in charge of the reserves, Browne added: “When I was at Hamworthy it was all about results, but now the emphasis will be on developing youngsters and trying to bring them up to first-team standard.

“Jem’s playing budget is not massive so if we can get some of the youngsters to step up then that would be great for the club.”