NON-league legend Taffy Richardson is set to make a playing return with Wessex League Verwood Town – for a manager 17 years his junior.

Richardson, 48, has joined the Potters in a playing capacity after finding it difficult to balance his role as first-team coach at Poole Town with increased work commitments.

And Verwood boss Carl Poore, one of the division’s youngest managers at 31, quickly swooped to persuade his former Poole team-mate to sign up – albeit on an ad hoc basis.

Richardson, a veteran of more than 1,000 semi-professional appearances, told the Daily Echo: “I can still play at this level and would rather do this than extra hours on a treadmill to keep fit.

“My body feels okay and I really want to play. It doesn’t matter who you are, nothing can replace playing.

“I went to watch Verwood against (Bournemouth) Poppies on Saturday and you could see they have a good bunch of committed lads.

“They do not get paid and there are no superstars there and Poorey and Gavin Reeves (first-team coach) have got them well organised.”

Meanwhile, Richardson said his decision to step back at Poole had been made with a heavy heart.

“It is sad because they are the best bunch of lads I have worked with,” he added.

“With work and everything else I could not commit to the travel with Poole and felt it was not fair for me to be too involved. I will still be there for Tom (KIllick, manager) if he needs me but I’m quite happy for him to replace me.

“I have not been at a game that Poole have lost yet this season so I might have to keep popping down to make sure they win!”