DORCHESTER Town assistant manager Kevin Hodges admitted he is “excited” by the challenge of creating a winning formula at the Avenue Stadium.

Hodges, 60, is the all-time appearance record holder for Plymouth Argyle with 654 games, spanning 14 years at Home Park.

The former Bournemouth winger was born in Broadwindsor near Bridport and has also represented Torquay United – along with Magpies’ boss Robbie Herrera.

Speaking to Echosport, Hodges revealed the chance to partner Herrera came suddenly.

“It came out of the blue, really,” he said.

“Robbie was given the opportunity of becoming manager and he made contact with me to say: ‘I’m close to getting the role’ and would I be interested in supporting him?

“He said ‘look, you don’t have to give me an answer straight away, but give yourself a couple of days’ – which I did.

“Obviously I’ve been aware of Dorchester Town. The area is familiar to me, I’m from the Bridport area, Broadwindsor.

“I played my local football here in my school days. My first club was AFC Bournemouth so I’m very familiar with the area.

“I know the facilities because (Plymouth) brought a side up to open the 3G. I was out of the football world at that time and it interested me.

“I knew it was going to be a challenge but at the same time it’s an interesting one. I’ve been excited to get involved, starting to do the training and a little organisation.

“Hopefully, in time, we’ll see some progress made on the pitch.

“I think it’s just instilling some good habits and hopefully getting a winning mentality in the group. With that, it’s surprising what you can achieve.”

Hodges also spoke of the support received from chairman Scott Symes as the Magpies look to keep sharp while Southern League games are suspended.

“We’re in untried waters,” he said. “We’d love to see the season get back under way.

“Unfortunately, it is what it is. We’re trying to do the best we possibly can.

“The chairman’s given us the support to continue the training and organise a few friendlies, which we’ve done, and it’s obviously helped us and the players.

“We’re just itching to get the season up and running but we can only wait and see what develops in the coming weeks.”