ALEX Browne’s playing ability was key to his appointment as Wimborne Town’s new manager.

The club last night confirmed that Browne, the former Dorchester Town assistant boss, would take charge of Magpies following Christer Warren’s departure last week.

Although the likes of former Christchurch boss Andy Leader and ex-Cherries star Mark Morris were linked with the Cuthbury hot-seat, director Paul Miller revealed only Browne and ex-Cherries star Gary Borthwick were interviewed for the post.

And while Browne, at first glance, appears to lack the managerial experience many supporters felt would be vital as Magpies look to rescue their Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division season, Miller insists the Weymouth-born defender’s youth can help ignite his club’s faltering fortunes.

Miller told the Echo last night: “We were very impressed with Alex’s approach and what he can bring to the football club. We interviewed Gary Borthwick as well and he was an exceptional candidate. He is very knowledgeable of the game, but the key thing for us with Alex was continuity.

“Alex still plays and is a quality centre-back, which is something else we felt we needed to bring to the club. That is pretty much what swung it.”

Browne, who is the brother of Poole Town defender Simon Browne, was voted Dorchester’s player of the year by both his team-mates and the supporters last season.

The uncompromising defender made over 600 appearances for Weymouth before signing for the Terras’ Dorset neighbours in 2003 where he has made over 200 appearances, scoring 25 goals.

Miller added: “It is really a matter of steadying the ship at the moment and getting the players working to the best of their abilities.

“Alex is a football man and he likes to play the game on the ground, like Christer did when he was here, so that brings the continuity.

“He has his own ideas and he might even have a few players he’d like to bring here, but he’ll do that when he feels it is necessary.”

Browne will work alongside current assistant manager Adam Batchelor, starting with tonight’s league clash at Brockenhurst. He could make his playing debut in Saturday’s FA Vase second round tie at home to Wootton Bassett Town.