DORCHESTER Town chairman Scott Symes has likened the Magpies’ managerial situation to the one currently burdening Premier League side Everton.

Dorchester have been without a permanent boss since Callum Brooks resigned in the wake of a 3-0 defeat to Met Police on December 7.

Symes believes Jody Rivers, assistant to Brooks, has taken temporary responsibility of the Magpies in the same way as Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has for the Toffees after Marco Silva’s sacking.

Speaking to Echosport, Symes stressed the Magpies are prepared to take their time before appointing a new boss.

He said: “We don’t fear leaving Jody in the position he is in the short term.

“It’s a bit like Duncan Ferguson. We’ve seen it so many times in football where somebody comes in and the club’s got a shortlist – but it will take time.

“It will take time with people’s lives and everyone’s got to try and get together and put a process in place to make sure we make the right appointment.

“While that’s happening, someone’s getting football results on the pitch – long may that continue while we continue to search.”

Rivers’ first game as interim boss was the pulsating 4-4 draw at Gosport – a game Dorchester led three times before conceding a 95th-minute leveller to former Magpie Ryan Woodford.

But Symes praised Rivers for his work in the role to date, adding: “He’s stepped up. The main thing was keeping the playing group focused.

“Jody’s worked with those players for the season and pre-season. He’s been good with the players and the players have responded really well in that sense.

“Going to Gosport and scoring four goals, even though we conceded four as well, getting a point and close to three, was a good response.”

Quizzed on how soon an appointment could be made, Symes remained tight-lipped.

He said: “It does depend if we narrow down the shortlist and feel we need to speak again and timing being everything as to whether that person is available to be appointed if they’re successful.

“So there’s lots of ifs and buts but the process is going well and we would like to appoint the right person as soon as possible.

“Who that person might be we don’t know because we haven’t followed through on the process.”