NEW Wimborne Town boss Matty Holmes has been utilising veteran coach John Macey’s contacts book ahead of tomorrow’s Southern League kick off.

Former Cherries, West Ham and Blackburn winger Holmes begins his senior managerial career when the Magpies host Bishop’s Cleeve in Southern South & West (3pm).

The Gloucestershire outfit were reprieved having finished second bottom the season before last but kept faith with manager Steve Cleal and climbed to 12th last term.

And while his knowledge of clubs at the eighth level of the English game is limited, the new man has no qualms with doing his homework.

Holmes told the Daily Echo: “John is great in that respect. He knows who to ring and get information from.

“We know players will move around a lot, especially in the summer so the teams that have struggled in the past might be completely different this time around.

“Looking at positions can give you a false perspective so John has been on the phone to see what we can utilise because I am a great believer in doing your homework.

“Preparation is key. Players need to know their roles first and then you get the opportunity.”

During pre-season, Holmes has taken a backseat role during matches with the odd dart to the touchline punctuating instructions from assistant Danny Holmes and coach Shane Traynor.

“I think Danny and Shane will be the more vocal ones, I will just sit back and try to work it all out,” he added.

“We have some good, honest boys. They will make mistakes but they won’t do it on purpose and the only time I will get upset is if they don’t know their position or role when I have given them the information.”