GARY Borthwick will return to the Dorchester Town dugout as Phil Simkin’s right-hand man.

The former player and caretaker-manager offered his assistance when Simkin took the reins on a temporary basis prior to Alan Knight’s appointment back in late November.

But with the latter having resigned from the post last week, Simkin has been named as the new permanent boss at the Avenue Stadium.

And while skipper Mark Jermyn remains a key figure on the coaching staff, the new manager was always keen to bring in an extra pair of hands.

Borthwick will therefore act as his assistant, as soon as he overcomes a back problem.

Simkin said: “Gary was due to be there on Monday but, Gary being Gary, he lifted a disc-cutter on his own on Friday and did his back in.

“I told him he’s too old to be doing that sort of thing but he will be coming back as soon as he’s back on his feet and he’ll be assisting Mark Jermyn in the warm-ups and at training etc.

“Gary and I have been friends for years and to be honest we always said that if one of us had the chance to take this job we’d do it together.

“The chance has come up but unfortunately he was unfit for the first game. It’ll be a good partnership though and he will fit in well.”

Simkin’s reign started with a 3-2 defeat at home to Truro City on Bank Holiday Monday.

And while the wet and windy conditions made for a tricky surface, the Magpies’ chief believes the state of the county town pitch is an issue that needs addressing.

He added: “I saw on Monday that in difficult conditions we can still pass the ball around well.

“But I’ve been speaking to the chairman and I’ve asked if there is anything we can do to improve the pitch.

“I’m not blaming the pitch, I just want to develop a side here that can play. And we can only do that on a good surface.”