CHAIRMAN Mark Bartlett will interview at least four candidates for the vacant manager’s position at Hamworthy United – including Merley boss Ollie Cherrett.

The Hammers chief confirmed he had approached the Dorset Premier League outfit for permission to speak with the former United, Poole Town and Bournemouth Poppies defender following Graham Kemp’s departure to Dorchester Town.

Stewart Kearn, Kemp’s assistant and formerly co-manager at Bashley, has applied for the post, while reserve team manager and ex-Cherries youth coach Shane Traynor has thrown his hat into the ring.

Bartlett politely declined to identify the fourth candidate but said that there had been no contact with either Verwood Town or Carl Poore and that the club were unlikely to consider applications received after Wednesday.

United’s chairman told the Daily Echo: “We expect to conduct most of the interviews before Thursday and while we would like to take our time, we feel it is important to act quickly for the sake of the squad.

“We would like to get something sorted out before our next match on Saturday but John Macey (caretaker manager) could remain in charge while we tie up any loose ends.”

On Cherrett, Bartlett added: "The view from the club was that we saw Ollie as an up-and-coming manager so we have asked to have an initial chat with him. No decision will be made before each applicant has been considered."

Meanwhile, Poore said he had been “humbled” by speculation linking him with the position but was quick to rule himself out of the running.

Poore, who only stepped up to Wessex League management with the Potters in April, said: “Verwood were good enough to give me a chance at his level and I want to repay them by staying and getting the team as far as possible.”

  • Poole Town were handed a tricky trip to Conference South club Bath City in today’s FA Cup second qualifying round draw.

Dolphins will travel to Twerton Park on Saturday, September 27 in the hope of securing the £4,500 prize pot on offer. The winners will be two stages away from the first round proper.

  • In tomorrow’s Hampshire Senior Cup second round ties, Bashley host Team Solent while New Milton entertain Fleet Town (7.45pm).