ANDY Darnton has joined the management team at Sydenhams Premier Division newcomers Verwood Town.

The Division One champions needed someone with higher level experience and Darnton fitted the bill to become first-team coach.

The former Bashley skipper and central defender has 500-plus Southern League games under his belt plus coaching and managerial experience with the likes of Bashley and Andover.

Last season he was coach of Romsey Town, working alongside Wayne Mew and Stuart Long as the Bypass club finished eighth in the Sydenhams Premier.

“Verwood are looking to push on next season and they came across really well when I spoke to them,” said Southampton-based Darnton.

“I had never met the manager, Adie Arnold, but he’s a nice guy and the chairman’s a good guy too.

“They seem a really friendly club and they needed someone from a higher level to give them a new approach.

“I don’t know any of their players, but they must be decent or they wouldn’t have won the league. “I’m told they’re keeping that squad together and with, one or two additions, we’ll be looking to take the club to the next level.”