TOM Killick is set to lead Dorchester Town at Merthyr Town tomorrow (3pm) in his first game since taking over as manager.

Killick succeeded Glenn Howes, who last week stood down to become Killick’s assistant, following his sacking from Poole.

The Dorchester job represents Killick’s first different club role in 19 seasons and the legendary Dorset boss is “really excited” for his fresh start.

First on the menu is a tasty trip to Merthyr in the Isuzu FA Trophy third qualifying round, with a place in the main draw up for grabs.

Killick told Echosport: “I’m really excited about it. I met the players for the first time on Tuesday but you only really properly start learning about players when they’re in a proper environment.

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“In terms of a physical and mental test there’s not many that are going to be more significant than going to Merthyr with them riding high in the league and also, for this level, it can be an intimidating environment.”

He added: “The difference is that all the relationships are new. 

“There’s a lot of people you just don’t know at all and that’s the big difference. It is a slightly unusual situation in so far as a lot of managers do move around from club to club.

“I don’t mean that in any type of criticism, that’s just the norm. Whereas, I did have a fairly unusual situation where I was with Poole for such an extended period.

“I suppose, in terms of change, it’s a bit more drastic for me than it might be for other managers who’ve just taken over.”

Killick is also aware of Dorchester’s struggles in cup competitions, adding: “It’s not so much how it’s been historically, the Trophy is the only substantial cup competition you’re involved in.

“It’s important we try and get a bit further down the line. There’s so many consequences to being knocked out early.

“There’s financial and then we’ve already had one free Saturday from being knocked out of the FA Cup.

“Now, because of Bracknell’s success in that competition it looks like we might have another one next Saturday.

“I just feel everyone wants to be playing games and winning in the Trophy gives you the opportunity of making sure you’re doing that on a regular basis.”

Jack Dickson (suspension) and Olaf Koszela (head) miss out, the latter still yet to fully recover from concussion despite the required protocol time having expired.

Winners at this stage take home £2,450 and the losers only £625.