COY Hamworthy United boss Graham Kemp has played down the prospect of a switch to Dorchester Town – but stopped short of ruling himself out completely.

It is understood that the former Christchurch and Winchester City manager is being primed to replace sacked Phil Simkin at the struggling Southern Premier outfit.

Kemp revitalised the Hammers’ fortunes having arrived in November last year and has since built a side touted by many as dark horses in this season’s Wessex League Premier Division.

The County Ground boss has made no secret of his desire to achieve Southern League football with Hamworthy but could be set for a shortcut by taking charge of one of the county’s non-league heavyweights.

Quizzed on the speculation surrounding his future, Kemp told the Daily Echo: “Being linked with different clubs is flattering and means we must be doing something right but any talk of a move is speculative at the moment.

“Anyone would be foolish to dismiss interest from higher levels but my focus is on the job at Hamworthy.”

Hammers return to league action with home clash against Fareham Town tomorrow (7.45pm).

Kemp expects to name an unchanged squad following Saturday’s 6-3 FA Vase success over Winterbourne United.

  • FA Vase second qualifying round ties (to be played on October 4): Swanage Town & Herston v US Portsmouth, AFC Portchester v Hamworthy United, Calne Town v Christchurch, Melksham Town v Bournemouth Poppies, Team Solent or Cadbury Heath v Ringwood Town, Sherborne Town v New Milton Town, Verwood Town v Roman Glass St Georges.