DAVE Kiteley has joined the backroom staff at Dorchester Town.

The former Portland United and Weymouth Reserves manager has been unveiled as the new assistant to Magpies’ reserve-team boss Robbie Taylor.

And first-team chief Ashley Vickers has hailed the appointment.

He said: “Dave will act as assistant for the reserve team and I’m sure he and Robbie Taylor will make a good team.

“I’ve spoken to a few people about Dave and no one had a bad word to say about him.

“It’s great to have him on board. We had a meeting recently with Phil Simkin, Andy Harris and Robbie also present, and when I looked around the table I saw people who are ambitious for the club and keen to do well – that’s what it’s all about.”

Despite landing two new signings in the past seven days – midfielder Ashley Nicholls and forward Ben Dickenson – Vickers remains on the hunt for fresh blood.

He added: “We are still talking to players, mainly strikers and centre-halves, and we’re also trying to get the rest of the squad sorted out contract-wise. However, most of them are still on holiday.”

And the chase goes on, even though the 39-year-old begins his charity trek to Land’s End today.

Setting off from the Avenue Stadium, Vickers will run and cycle almost 200 miles as he aims to honour the memory of his late mum Kathleen, as well as raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The county town boss said: “I’m a little bit nervous and trepidation has crept in, but I’ve trained hard and prepared well for it.

“I’ll be taking the coastal path to Lyme Regis (today) and I’ll be looking to run between 20 and 30 miles a day, as well as cycle 50 miles a day.

“It will take a lot out of me but I will be able to recharge my batteries in the evening. Meeting up with my dad each night will be a nice end to the day.

“A couple of old friends will be doing it with me, which is great, and I’m ever so thankful for the sponsorship I’ve had so far.

“We’ve raised about £800 so far, so if we can get over £1,000 that would be great.”

To sponsor Vickers, visit justgiving.com/ashley-vickers

* It has been revealed this morning that AFC Bournemouth keeper Dan Thomas will return to the Magpies next season on a season-long loan.