TWO Cherries promotion heroes have emerged as contenders in the race |to succeed Graham Kemp at Wessex League Christchurch.

Priory are searching for a new manager after Kemp announced his resignation on Tuesday night, as exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo.

Chairman Mark Duffy reported on Tuesday that the club had yet to approach – or be contacted by – any potential candidates.

But Echo sources suggest a number of well-known figures in the local footballing world could soon enter the running.

Among those, ex-Dean Court star Kevin Dawtry is believed to be a contender, with Dave Puckett another possibility.

Currently in charge of Priory’s Wessex League rivals Totton & Eling, Dawtry began his career with Southampton before going on to help Cherries secure promotion in 1981-82. In 65 league appearances for Cherries, the midfielder netted 11 goals.

Fellow former Cherries and Saints star Puckett could also come into the frame as his son Billy plays for Christchurch.

A star of Harry Redknapp’s title-winning team in 1986-87, Puckett also has plenty of experience on the local non-league circuit.

Indeed, the striker carved his name into the Wessex League record books when he became the oldest goalscorer in competition history by scoring for Lymington Town at the age of 51.

If opting for proven Wessex League knowledge, Christchurch could do far worse than looking at Verwood boss Adie Arnold.

Well-respected Arnold worked wonders to mastermind the Potters’ promotion to the Premier Division last season.

Chairman Duffy has said any new manager would have to be prepared to work without money and Arnold has already showed his ability to achieve positive results with no cash to spend.

Former Priory caretaker manager Brian Le Boutillier, overlooked for the position when Kemp was appointed in 2007, is also understood to be one of the leading candidates, with ex-Cherries player Brian O’Donnell another possibility.

Meanwhile, Kemp is vowing to give his all as he continues to lead the team until a new boss is recruited.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Horndean at Hurn Bridge (3pm), Kemp said: “It is always nice to go out on a high and I want to keep the good results coming for the lads and the club. Things haven’t quite gone our way recently but I have been judged over six years – not six weeks.”

Defender Dan Taylor, who is expected to get a second opinion on the nasty leg injury he sustained in the midweek defeat at Downton, is ruled out.

Callum Burt is set to return for Christchurch but both Ben Osborne and Dave Legg are doubtful.

Priory: (from) Collins, Thompson, Burden, Crutchley, Yelland, Magookin, Smith, Griffin, Osborne, Cornick, Puckett, Cook, Fairbrother, Burt, Frampton.