MATTY Holmes has agreed terms to remain as boss of Wimborne Town for another 12 months.

Holmes's current deal was due to expire at the end of this season but has been renewed and extended to keep him at Cuthbury for a second campaign.

Magpies revealed Holmes would be paid a part-time salary for his managerial duties while he continues to work for the club in separate coaching and community roles.

Holmes told the Daily Echo: “We are trying to build something for the future and I am really looking forward to being here next season.

"We have had some very promising discussions in the past couple of days and there are a lot of exciting things going on."

The future of former Cherries midfielder Holmes, who has led Wimborne to 12th spot in Division One South & West of the Southern League, had been subject to speculation since the departure of chairperson Paula Henley last month.

Holmes, who had been in discussion with Henley in her capacity as a club director, insisted he would have no involvement in the search for her successor.

“I try not to get involved in the board’s business but I don’t know whether you need a chairperson, as such,” said Holmes.

“If you have a board of good football people, who are business-minded, they can steer the club in the same direction. It is a group of people who love the club and want to drive it forward.”

A club statement confirming Holmes's deal read: "Wimborne Town is delighted to announce Matty Holmes will remain as manager of the club for the 2017-18 season.

"Matty's role as first-team coach is remunerated on a part-time basis, in line with other managers' wages operating at this level of football.

"Matty is also employed by the club to carry out coaching and community projects outside of his management role."

Holmes celebrated his new contract by completing a move to sign defender Matt Oldring from Southern Premier League outfit Dorchester.

Former Cherries goalkeeper Chad Collins has also joined on terms until the end of the season, with fellow stopper Alan Walker-Harris switching to Slough Town.

Winger Jamie Davidson, meanwhile, has exited Wimborne to sign for Hamworthy Recreation.

“Matt was a target for us for next season but he became available and I’m delighted we have got him,” said Holmes of the centre-half, who was released by Cherries in 2010.

“He has great experience for a 24-year-old and that is a great coup for us. It gives us some extra strength in the centre of defence.”

Walker-Harris and Davidson were allowed to leave in pursuit of regular action, with Holmes insisting the “door remains open” for the pair to return next term.

Oldring will make his Magpies debut in tomorrow’s home clash with high-flying Tiverton. Luke Holmes, who is nursing a back injury, trained on Tuesday but the manager rates him as 50-50 to face the Devon team.

Magpies: Benfield, Walker, Penny, Maybury, Davidson, Oldring, Kellaway, Stokoe, L Holmes, T Holmes, Cann, Lovell, Neale, Preston, Hartley, Prior, Collins.