CHRISTCHURCH boss Adie Arnold is relishing locking horns with former club Verwood and says he is “proud” of his achievements with the Potterne Park outfit.

Arnold was the most successful manager in Verwood’s history, guiding them to promotion to Wessex Premier during his eight-and-a-half-year spell in the hot seat.

He also played more than 800 games for the club and quit as boss in March 2014 before joining Christchurch two months later.

Arnold’s Priory tenure started with a crushing 4-0 defeat by the Potters on the opening day of the season with the teams facing off at Hurn Bridge on Saturday (3pm).

“It is a massive game for both teams because of the positions we are in,” said Arnold.

“I was proud of what I achieved at Verwood but felt I had taken them as far as I could. I was possibly a little too ambitious and wanted to push the club a bit further.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Steve Jefferis, Neville Munson, Dave Leigh, Bernie Scott and Michael Fry because they realised where the club came from after I had taken over. All we had was barriers and a lot of hard work went into getting them where they are today.

“I needed a new challenge and Christchurch were good enough to give me that. They have stuck with me through tough times and, hopefully, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Jamie Thoroughgood has left Christchurch for Winchester City, while Priory’s Matt Vining and Verwood’s Russell Dyer are both suspended.

Also in Wessex Premier, Poppies host Horndean, Hamworthy United entertain Newport and Lymington travel to Winchester City. In Wessex One, Ringwood head to Cowes Sports and New Milton visit Pewsey Vale (all 3pm).