STUART Heath has been installed as Phil Simkin’s number two at Dorchester Town.

The former ended his reign as Portland United manager with a 4-0 win over Bridport Reserves on Saturday – and then revealed his new role at the Avenue Stadium.

And he will fill the void left by Gary Borthwick, who according to boss Simkin has stepped down due to work commitments.

Speaking to Echosport, the Magpies’ new assistant-manager said: “It’s a great opportunity for me and I will do the best I can.

“I have met Phil a couple of times now, he has a fantastic amount of experience I can work off and he has a real passion for the club. Mark Jermyn has been a real legend there and it will be a real honour to work with the both of them.

“Together they have real ambitions for Dorchester Town so I’ve got to make sure I contribute and hit the ground running.”

Heath added: “It’s an opportunity that has come earlier than I thought it would as I’ve only been in coaching and management for four years.

“It’s a challenge and a step up but I have got belief in myself to give it a good go and prove myself.

“And working at a club like Dorch-ester, with people like Phil and Mark, I feel I can keep improving.

“They have some great players to work with as well and I’m really looking forward to it.

“They want to win games but they also want to do it playing the right way and that suits me.”

Reflecting on his time at Portland, which included winning the Magna Dorset Premier League title in his first season, Heath said: “The players have been fantastic to work with and I will miss them. They have been good friends to me as well.

“I’m happy with what I have tried to do on the playing side. Not everyone has agreed with that but I’m content with the effort and direction I have tried to take the club.

“I’ve worked with some really great people on the coaching side as well and it’s been a really successful season when you consider the reserves won the Dorset Senior League.

“I wish whoever takes it on all the best.”