PORTLAND United interim chairman and boss Gary Bailey remains tight-lipped on the Blues’ search for a new manager.

Echosport understands current Dorchester Town captain and Magpies’ U23s manager Franklyn Clarke is in contention to succeed Callum Brooks as Portland boss.

When quizzed on Clarke, Bailey declined to elaborate.

“I’ve got absolutely no comment on the managerial situation at the moment,” he said.

“When we’ve got something to announce, we’ll make a press release.

“We’re working really hard behind the scenes and we’re hoping we’ll be in a position very shortly to say something.”

The Blues have been looking for a new manager since mid-September, when Brooks resigned from his post after a 4-0 loss to Hamble Club in the FA Vase first qualifying round.

That defeat came after a 14-1 thrashing by Poole Town in pre-season and an 8-1 league humbling at Baffins Milton Rovers.

Many experienced players exited Portland in September, with the Blues currently fielding numerous reserve-teamers in league games.