DORCHESTER Town Football Club have announced the appointment of Oakley Hanger as the Magpies' new under-23 manager.

Hanger succeeds previous boss Franklyn Clarke, who last week switched to the vacant Portland manager's job.

Hanger's first game in the dugout came last night in a 3-2 defeat to Poole Town at the Avenue Stadium.

The defender, who is fresh from a four-year scholarship in the US, will work alongside the current under-23 coaching staff of assistant manager Brian Churchill, coach Craig Robinson and goalkeeping coach Daniel Claxton.

Hanger said: “I’m pleased the club have given me the opportunity to help develop these young lads.

"I’m lucky to be walking into a well-run under-23s setup with a great set of coaches which makes the transition easier for me.

“From all the home games I have watched this season I know I’m working with a talented group of players.

"I’ve seen they’re more than good enough for the Development League.

"The challenge for me now is identifying and developing the players that have first team potential and pushing them towards that next step of their career which takes more than just being a talented footballer.

"It was great to get my first taste of management last night and within the space of 90 minutes I experienced some of the highs and lows that come with such a role.

“Having said that, Poole played with a number of first-team players and I was proud that for large parts of the game we matched them, and the boys gave everything right up until the final whistle which is a massive positive in my eyes and all I can ask for as a manager.

"In hindsight the draw would have been a good result for us but my philosophy will always be to win games.

"All of the first-team boys have been very positive about me taking the role, and Leigh (Robinson, first-team manager) and Robbie (Herrera, assistant) have stressed they're always available should I need advice or support.”

Hanger emerged though the Magpies' reserves before his first-team debut in 2013.

He added: “I think this plays a big part in me wanting the role. I’ve made it clear to the players that I was once in their shoes and understand how difficult the transition to the first team can be.

"But my experience has taught me the levels required and the commitment needed to make the step up.

"I want to set an example and help the players have the opportunity to follow in the same footsteps I took.”