STUART Heath has ruled himself out of the running to succeed Phil Simkin as Dor-chester Town boss.

However, the Magpies’ caretaker-manager would like to stay at the Avenue in a coaching capacity.

Heath, Simkin’s assistant before the latter’s dismissal last week, took charge of the team for Saturday’s draw with Chesham United and is happy to do the same again if needed.

But when the club board meet tonight, Heath’s name won’t be one of those under consideration for the top job.

“After only being at Dorchester Town for just over two years I have developed a great feeling for the club and want to stay in the immediate future to help improve the playing side to a better level so the supporters are proud to watch the players that represent it,” he said.

“At this moment I feel I can best do that as a coach and assistant-manager, and that will also allow me to commit to my family and demanding full-time job.”

He added: “I think the club have got to move quickly to make an appointment because when you are going through a bit of a sticky patch it needs settling down.

“It’s coming to a crucial period really with the cup games which are crucial for the club in its financial position.

“And also the playing squad in terms of what a new manager might want, and obviously the league position as well which is not as good as it should be.

“We should be higher in the league and that can only come with results, and that can only come with a settled team and a settled management.

“Hopefully the club will strive to get that in the next few days if possible, but certainly in the next couple of weeks.

“They’ve got to make sure they get the right person in charge.”

Magpies’ chairman Matt Lucas told Echosport that the vacant manager’s position has attracted attention.

Speaking about that and the qualities needed to fulfil the role, he said: “There have been phone calls from people who want to put their names in the frame, which is really encouraging.

“We have a board meeting tonight and we are going to be discussing a number of issues, and obviously the issue of the manager of Dorchester Town will be on the list.

“You need someone who can really get into and embrace what Dorchester Town Football Club is all about.

“We, as a club, need absolutely everybody to be involved, whether it’s as a supporter or a volunteer, we just need to bring everyone in and everyone needs to be included.

“It’s a case of all knuckling down and working together.”