GOALKEEPER Shane Murphy was impressed by the impact new boss Craig Laird made in his first session in charge of Dorchester Town, claiming “everyone is pretty excited at the moment”.

Laird addressed his squad and took training for the first time with the Magpies on Thursday, ahead of his first game in charge at home to Banbury United tomorrow (3pm).

And giving his take on the new manager’s first actions in the hot seat, the county town keeper was left feeling positive.

He told Echosport: “He came across really well to myself and I am sure everyone would probably agree with that. Everyone is pretty excited at the moment and seems pretty happy.

“He came in and introduced himself and explained the way he wanted to play. He explained that he wants to keep us together and bring a few other people in.

“First of all I think we were all a little a little bit nervous and didn’t know what to expect. There are only a couple of our players that have come across Craig and they had positive stuff to say but it’s always a little bit nerve-racking when a new manager comes in.

“As soon as he came in, said hello, and said what he wants from us and how he expects us to play, he came across as a really good guy and it was pretty exciting.”

He added: “He got involved (with training) straight away. Obviously the goalkeepers did our own bit and then we got into some phases of play.

“He got stuck in. If he wasn’t happy with something he would explain and say what he wanted in the right way. He interacted with everyone and encouraged a lot, which is all that you want really. It was really positive.”

Murphy also outlined that keeping the continuity of playing personnel in the squad is something that is reassuring.

“When a new manager comes in, you never know if they want to bring new people in and people aren’t too sure,” he added.

“He sort of assured us that he wants to keep the squad we have together and just make a few additions to help people out.”

The Dorchester stopper goes into the clash with the Puritans at the Avenue in good form, with first team coach and then interim manager Stuart Heath claiming the gloveman “gave one of the best goalkeeping performances I have seen for a long time” against Basingstoke last time out.

Murphy said: “It was really nice of Heathy to say that and he has been brilliant. He wasn’t interim for a long time but, what he did, he did right.

“It’s good to get nice feedback from him but everyone played well, the back four against Basingstoke were brilliant.

“Recently, I am a lot happier with how I have been doing and just want to build on that really. I’d like to say I’ve done well but there is always room for improvement.”