ASSISTANT-MANAGER Terry Oldrid will be “barking out the orders” for Chickerell United’s Dorset Premier League opener against Blandford United (3pm).

Oldrid will take the reins for the first three games of the new season as boss Chris Wilson is currently unavailable.

And with the Chickens set to embark on a new dawn – following the exits of former manager Brendon King and a host of last term’s squad – Oldrid is hoping to get off to a winning start at Weymouth College.

The defender, who will put his playing duties to one side in the meantime, said: “We’ve had some positive results in pre-season and everyone is buzzing – the players can’t wait for the start of the season.

“From the start we’ve made sure that we’re under no illusions as we’re not expected to do better than what Brendon King managed last year.

“We want to restructure the team, we’ve brought in some good players and it’s about trying to blend the reserves and the first team together as well.

“If we can get off to a good start then it will help put us in the right direc- tion.

“It’s nice to be at home for the first game as it should help settle the lads. Whatever happens I’m sure they will give 110 per cent.

“I’m going to be on the sidelines barking out the orders, so I won’t be involved on the playing side for the first three games as I need to concentrate on running the team.”

The Chickens are without defender Scott Walker (family commitments) and Shane Sheridan (unavailable) while a question mark hangs over the availability of former Portland United skipper Andy Perkins.