NEW Dorchester Town manager Glenn Howes believes his return to old club AFC Totton is the perfect script as the sides meet in the FA Trophy third qualifying round tomorrow (3pm).

Howes left the Stags on Monday to succeed Robbie Herrera as the Magpies’ new boss.

The FA Trophy tie pits Totton, who are currently leading the Southern League Division One South standings, against Dorchester – placed 19th in the league above.

Prize money of £2,450 is on offer to the winners, with £625 going to the beaten club.

But for Howes, the afternoon in Hampshire promises to be a surreal occasion as the Magpies’ boss revealed he has not yet said his goodbyes to the Stags.

In his first interview with Echosport, he said: “You couldn’t have written it any better, could you? Or worse, depending on how it all goes.

“It’s weird, isn’t it? It will be nice in one say to say goodbye to everyone properly, to the players, board, directors and supporters, which I haven’t managed to do yet.

READ MORE: Howes aims to climb table with Dorchester Town

“It will be nice to go back and see some familiar faces. Of course, we built the team there so I know an awful lot about the players, the team.

“I can’t foresee too many changes in such a short period of time. The biggest battle is getting to know the Dorchester team and players with only two sessions.

“That’s the biggest challenge, in looking at us rather than the opposition.”

Howes is encouraged by the attitude shown by Dorchester under interim bosses Craig Robinson and Brian Churchill, the duo winning two games in temporary charge.

“Looking at Dorchester’s form of late it’s been a little inconsistent,” Howes said.

“However, I can see they’re well organised, the players have reacted really well to Craig and Brian’s methods. That’s a huge advantage.

“Likewise, Totton have been scoring goals for fun and rightly so are top of the league.

“It’s going to be a real competitive game.”

Sam Bayston (illness) and Ash Wells (hamstring) miss out but Sam Davidson and Tom Soares were scheduled to return to training this week.