POOLE Town striker Michael Charles has been appointed senior coach with Shepparton Soccer Club in Australia.

Charles was leading goalscorer with the Victoria-based outfit last season and helped them reach the grand final in the Goulburn North East Football Association.

The 26-year-old has been dividing his time between Poole and Shepparton and currently works in coaching near his home in north Hampshire.

‘‘It is my first senior appointment so I am very happy to have accepted the offer,” Charles told the Shepparton News. “I was always in contact with everyone at the club and one of them asked if I would be interested in throwing my name in for the job.

‘‘I have always been a coach — my job in England is coaching — so it is really just moving country to do the same thing for me.

“I think the people really sold it to me. There are some special people in that town who would do anything for you and make you feel at home, both within the club and outside it.”

Charles will take up one of four visa spots at Shepparton where one of his players will be former Cherries youngster James Coutts.

Shepparton president Tom Radevski said: “Michael was first choice. He can really help these guys coming through. He took a few training sessions last year and the boys were happy with his methods.”

  • Struggling Bashley venture to Southern League Premier Division rivals Truro City on Saturday, while faltering Wimborne visit Evesham United in Division One South & West.

In Wessex Premier, Poppies host Winchester City, Christchurch entertain Fareham, Verwood welcome Alresford to Potterne Park and Hamworthy United travel to Lymington. In Wessex One, Ringwood host Tadley Calleva, while New Milton visit Laverstock & Ford (all games are 3pm kick-off).