ROYSTON DAVIES aims to put the sting back into the Bees following his appointment as first team manager at Bridport Football Club yesterday.

The former Crystal Palace and Swindon Town apprentice has renewed his love affair with the club after he was unceremoniously dismissed from the post of Bridport Reserves manager last term.

Adrian Scadding, chairman of the St Mary's Field outfit, acted quickly after Paul Hammond's shock resignation last week and is certain he has landed the right man.

Scadding said: "I had to ring round the whole committee after having a chat with him on Tuesday and everybody is in agreement that he will be the best man for the job.

"We had seven other applicants and I'd like to thank them all for applying.

"As a committee we decided that we would like a local bloke to run it so that we can get more local football back again.

"The main reason we have chosen Royston is because of his local experience. He has been with the club before and he is up for it."

Davies, who has managed Chard Town and Dorchester Reserves, has moved swiftly to install Mark Lock as his number two.

Scadding said: "It is great for the club because it will give him a chance to learn and hopefully he will be able to step up a place one day."

"We haven't made this decision light-heartedly," added the chairman. "But it is a relief to me that we have got someone in place and now we can look ahead to the season."

Hammond sacked Davies from the post of Bridport Reserves manager in October last year.

The popular boss was devastated by the decision but is now determined to come back to St Mary's Field and start afresh.

"It is good to get back into football," said Davies.

"As far as this job or this task is concerned I feel my past experience at other clubs, in particular Chard Town and Dorchester, can be put to good use and hopefully reap some benefits for Bridport FC.

"I see my task as one of stopping the continual slide down the Western League and also the football pyramid, which has taken place over the last few years.

"I intend to stop the slide by using a nucleus of local players with the addition of one or two more experienced players form elsewhere. I will, improve first team results."

The Bees begin pre-season training on Tuesday at 7pm at St Mary's Field. It will give Davies a first look at the squad he has inherited and he said he will look at anyone else that's willing to attend.

Bridport will host Hamworthy United in a friendly on August 4. The club is also holding its AGM tonight at the Beehive.