WIMBORNE legend Paul Roast is convinced new boss Simon Browne is inheriting a talented squad at Cuthbury – but not one good enough to challenge for promotion from Division One South & West of the Southern League.

Roast, who has been in caretaker charge since Steve Cuss’s departure, will today hand the reins to Browne after presiding over two wins and two defeats.

He will loosen his ties with the club after 16 years with work and family commitments precluding him from staying on in another capacity.

Roast, who had been assisted by John Macey, signed off by overseeing Saturday’s 4-1 reverse at the hands of Shortwood as Magpies’ dismal home form continued.

“I was always going to step away,” said Roast. “My decision had been made before a manager had been appointed and it is not a reflection on who came in. This is my 16th season here and I will still be around the place.

“Simon is taking on a set of players who are more than good enough to compete and do well at this level. They just need to start believing in themselves more and start performing at home.

“There has been a nervousness and tension about the place. I can’t put my finger on why but when we play at home, we are a different team.

“It has been there for the past couple of years. As hard as the players work, they make bad decisions and just don’t play the same as when they are away.”

Asked if he felt the current squad was equipped to mount a promotion challenge, Roast replied: “No.

“Additions would need to be made but that is a budget thing more than anything. The squad is good enough to compete and to win a lot of games at this level but are they good enough to get out of this league? No, they are not and I think they know that and so does the club.

“Simon will take them up the table, there is no doubt about that. One of his challenges will be to see if he can find some better players for not a lot of money and to improve the squad. I am sure he is capable of that. I hope he is.

“He will soon see how good the players are and they are good enough to win plenty of games at this level. But because of the size of the squad and the number of young lads we have to bring in because of the financial restrictions, I don’t think we could sustain a challenge towards the top of the league.”

Substitute Morgan Turner headed Wimborne’s consolation against Shortwood to make it 3-1 in the 55th minute.

The visitors, who beat the Magpies by the same scoreline on the opening day of the season, netted through Will Morford (2), James Singh and Liam Meredith.

New boss Browne will take charge for the first time when Wimborne travel to second-placed Winchester City on Wednesday.

Magpies: Harvell, Randall, Crutcher, Kellaway (Turner, 52), Maybury, Blake, Arnold, Oliver (Johnson, 79), Waters, Clarke, Preston. Unused subs: O’Hare, Roast.