EX-CHERRIES star Matty Holmes is understood to be on the cusp of filling Wimborne Town’s vacant manager's post.

The 46-year-old Cherries Academy coach is thought to be in the throes of finalising terms to replace sacked Simon Browne in the Cuthbury hotseat.

Holmes established himself as a Dean Court favourite by making 114 Football League appearances in four years before moving on to West Ham where he played in the top flight. 

Stints with Blackburn and Charlton followed before injury forced him out of the professional game.

Former Dorchester manager Phil Simkin and ex-Bashley boss Steve Riley were among those touted although both links are understood to be wide of the mark. 

Chairperson Paula Henley politely declined to rule in or out any individual names but confirmed the club’s search for Browne’s replacement had been moving at pace. 

Henley told the Daily Echo: “We have had quite a lot of enquiries from managers with varied levels of experience. 

“There have been some people who have held senior posts in non-league as well as others who are keen and energetic but lack experience.

“We do hope to get things moving quite quickly but feel that is important to get everything in place before making any announcements.”

Browne was surprisingly sacked last week despite presiding over Magpies’ strong finish to the campaign.

Henley cited a “negative” attitude towards the club’s proposed playing budget for next season, claims Browne vehemently refuted.

Browne hit back and questioned whether director Paul Miller was “pulling the strings” at Cuthbury, which was denied by Miller and Henley.