DORCHESTER Town have unveiled the appointment of Glenn Howes as their new manager.

Howes, a former Dorchester, Eastleigh, Poole and Basingstoke player, succeeds Robbie Herrera as boss.

Howes set tongues wagging after a shock departure from AFC Totton yesterday, with the Stags leading the Southern League Division One South.

James Wood has followed Howes from Totton and will take the role of assistant manager.

Howes and Wood took training this evening and will face an immediate reunion against former club AFC Totton in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Speaking to Dorchester's media team, Howes said: "I'm excited of course and really pleased - it's obviously changed a little bit in terms of the facility and the development of the club, particularly the 3G pitch and the community side.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town sack manager Robbie Herrera

"I had a conversation with Scott (Symes, chairman), looked at the ambition of the club, looked at Step 3 and the infrastructure and had an association with the club before.

"It's been a burning ambition of mine to go back to one of the clubs that I've played for.

"I've been very fortunate to play for some really good clubs - really good teams, good sides, good infrastructures and just generally good non-league football clubs, and it's finally happened and I'm looking forward to it."

Dorchester set their stall out to attract an experienced Southern League manager with a habit of winning.

They appear to have found their match in Howes, who has enjoyed an incredibly successful management career to date.

Howes led Blackfield & Langley to back-to-back promotions as he guided the Watersiders from the Wessex League to the Southern League Premier South.

READ MORE: Dorchester Town: A story of six managers since 2017

He has also spent time on the coaching books at Poole Town.

Dorset Echo: Glenn Howes spent time at Dorchester as a player Picture: GRAHAM HUNTGlenn Howes spent time at Dorchester as a player Picture: GRAHAM HUNT

Howes played for the Magpies between 2005 and 2006 - including scoring in the New Year's Day derby win against rivals Weymouth at the Avenue Stadium.

Wood was assistant manager at Poole Town for more than four seasons and managed at Wessex League side Bournemouth Poppies before linking up with Howes at Blackfield & Langley and Totton.