WIMBORNE Town chiefs have demonstrated their faith in boss Steve Cuss by handing him an 18-month contract – despite a tough start to his reign.

Cuss has endured a difficult first full season in charge at Cuthbury following a summer spent rebuilding the Magpies squad.

The former Poole Town assistant manager has had to recruit virtually an entire team since succeeding Alex Browne in April.

Wimborne have struggled since winning promotion into the Southern League and have just 14 points after 23 matches of their second campaign in Division One South & West.

But the Cuthbury hierarchy backed Cuss less than a week after Magpies ended their 14-match winless league run with an impressive 2-1 home victory over title contenders Hunger-ford Town.

Wimborne vice-chairman Paul Miller confirmed that Cuss had put pen to paper on a one-and-a-half year deal, with an option to extend, at a board meeting on Thursday.

Miller told the Daily Echo: “I think it is great news.

“It shows our commitment to him and our commitment to the development plan we have got as a whole.

“It also helps Steve show that the club has commitment to him when he is talking to players and they are coming into the equation. It shows it is a long-term plan.”

Miller added that he felt Cuss had done a good job so far with the resources available to him.

Wimborne will be aiming to continue their recent improvement when they host Taunton Town today (3pm).