BRIDPORT have announced former White Horse boss Mike Savage as their new reserve team manager.

The appointment follows that of Royston Davies as the club's new first team manager and it is hoped that Savage will have the power to attract the town's young talent to St Mary's Field.

The Bees' latest recruit, who won the Dorset Junior Cup and Perry Street League Division One while in charge at White Horse, played for the club during the 1980s.

And he is under no illusions about the task that lies before him.

"It could be a real struggle this year but I won't know until I see how many come down to training," said Savage.

"With Paul Hammond leaving, all his contacts and players have gone too. Some of the players I had pencilled in for the reserve team may have to grow up quicker than I had anticipated.

"I will need to educate them quickly."

He added: "Initially I was coming in to improve the side but because we have lost so many players now I think the first job will be to survive.

"Whereas before I was only looking at young players I have had to rethink a little bit. I am now looking at bringing in a couple of older heads because of the situation we are in.

"If I throw too many youngsters in we will get beaten every week and won't be able to compete."

Former Bridport skipper Andy Hitchcock will assist Savage.