MANAGER Carl Poore reckons new right-hand man Matt Groves is perfectly placed to lighten his load at Verwood – particularly after shedding a few pounds.

Veteran striker Groves, 35, fills the role vacated by Kris Anderton’s departure to Dorset Premier League club Cranborne in February and will continue his playing career while working behind the scenes at Potterne Park.

The former Weymouth player-assistant manager was a surprise acquisition on the eve of last season but went on to play 34 Sydenhams Wessex League matches for Poore’s fledgling side while dual-registering with Southern League Frome Town.

And while Poore is delighted with the latest addition to his backroom staff, he insists Groves’s appetite to have an influence on the pitch is as healthy as ever after rocking up at pre-season training looking trim.

Poore quipped: “Grovesy will still feature on the playing side and I have to say, he is looking as slim as he has for years!

“I was on the lookout for an assistant last season after Kris left but didn't want to make a rash decision. As a manager, you need an assistant you can trust and I have a lot of faith in Grovesy.

“He will have a massive influence in the changing room and having sampled life as an assistant at Weymouth, it won’t be new to him. He will bring a lot of know-how to the role.

“Together with Gavin Reeves (coach), I couldn’t think of a better team to support the lads at the club. Matt has a lot to pass on to the younger ones and hopefully he can give us another push in the right direction.”

On the playing front, Poore confirmed the departure of Poole-bound midfielder Tom Whelan and veteran Taffy Richardson but revealed he had boosted the numbers with three new faces.

James Bergin and Matt Head arrive from Bashley, while 18-goal hotshot Aaron Atkinson steps up two levels from Merley Cobham Sports. Poore also hopes to add ex-Bournemouth Poppies striker Jack Swann, who has spent pre-season with Verwood.

Poore added: “I believe Tom is training with Poole which is not a surprise because he is too good for the Wessex League.

“It is always good to see a player climb the ladder and I know Tom (Killick, Poole manager) rates him highly after giving him his chance last season. He goes there with our blessing.

“I'm still on the lookout for a few more to add to the squad in next couple of weeks but I believe we are in a much better position with a better squad than we had at this point last season.”

Verwood kick off their pre-season programme at Cranborne tomorrow (6.30pm) with Poore set to run the rule over a 20-man squad featuring a smattering of trialists.