DORCHESTER Town boss Glenn Howes insists the Magpies will concentrate on themselves against managerless and pointless Swindon Supermarine tomorrow (3pm).
Howes welcomes Marine to the Avenue after the Wiltshire side parted company with long-serving boss Lee Spalding following their FA Cup exit to lower-league Cribbs on Saturday.
The defeat came amid a torrid start to their Pitching In Southern League Premier South campaign, losing all six games to rest bottom of the table.
Dorchester have endured a tough start themselves and begin the game in 17th having taken just four points.
READ MORE: Dorchester Town must adapt in away games, says boss Glenn Howes
Speaking to Echosport, Howes said: “I’m not so close to the camp, so it’s probably unfair for me to comment on it.
“Lee and Griff (Charlie Griffin, assistant) have done a smashing job over the years and deserve all the plaudits they’ve received.
“We’re sad to see them lose their jobs. It’s a bit of an unknown quantity for us. We can do all the planning that’s required but it’s got to be about us, as on every weekend.”
Howes also dampened suggestions Supermarine’s situation could see them raise their game against Dorchester.
“I don’t think we can worry too much about Swindon,” he insisted.
“We know a lot about how these teams play and the personnel have been very consistent. I don’t fear Swindon and I don’t think we’re going to worry too much about how they’re set up.
“It could be a complete waste of time and we need to take care of ourselves before anything else.”
Howes is also looking to see a reaction to Saturday’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Plymouth Parkway.
“We were disappointed,” he said. “We had the euphoria of the Bank Holiday win against Poole Town and then came unstuck at Parkway.
“We’re keen as ever to try and find some form of consistency and we’re craving that first home win at the Avenue. It presents us with an opportunity.
“It’s going to be no mean feat against a hungry Supermarine team who are going to be keen to do well whether they have a new manager in place or in the stands.”
Dorchester have made no secret of their desire to add experience to their squad and Howes revealed he has this week been active in the player market.
“We have made a couple of enquiries about certain players,” he said.
“Nothing has come to fruition as of yet. I do feel these younger players need a little bit of guidance. We’ve been fortunate to have Emmo (Keith Emmerson) and Tom Soares at the club.
“Previously, I’ve had Tim Sills, Craig McAllister and Stephane Zubar who have led the boys accordingly.
“We’ve missed Callum Buckley a huge amount but he trained really well on (Tuesday) night and he comes back into recognition for Saturday.”
And Buckley’s return is the only squad update for Dorchester, who have a full squad to choose from.
It means centre-back Jack Wright is also back into the reckoning after missing two weeks with a hamstring strain.
“It’s good news for us,” Howes said. “It’s taken a little while with Olaf (Koszela) and Hastey (Ollie Haste), Leighton (Thomas) had a suspension.
“That’s going to be a nice problem to have between now and Saturday.”
At the time of writing, Dorchester have been linked with two midfielders and a centre-back but the club remained tight-lipped ahead of training yesterday evening.
Following the Supermarine clash, Dorchester must prepare for a Tuesday night meeting at Hungerford Town, the Crusaders having been relegated from the National League South last season.
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