CHAIRMAN Steve Harvey confirmed Paul Roast had “reluctantly” turned down the opportunity to manage Hamworthy United.

Wimborne Town stalwart Roast was the number one choice to replace Shane Traynor in the County Ground hot seat and discussed the post with Harvey but was unable to commit the necessary time.

Harvey remained tight-lipped on his options, although former player Sam Lanahan and ex-Verwood boss Carl Poore are thought to be on his hit list. Ex-Poole boss Brian O'Donnell is said to have applied. 

On Roast’s rebuff, Harvey told the Daily Echo: “Even up until last night, we were hopeful he would take it.

“The most refreshing thing was that he didn’t have an interest in talking about money and you could tell he had already started to think about players and backroom staff.

“I’ve known Paul for a long time and he was keen but just couldn’t commit to it. It is a shame but now, we have to get on with finding someone.

“Ideally, I want to be able to appoint someone by the end of the week. It is an important time of the year with players sorting out where they want to play next season.”

Roast added: "I was very interested in the job but when I weighed up everything, my head had to rule my heart when it came to my other commitments.

"It was similar to when the Wimborne post came up, I just couldn't commit the time and didn't want to take anything on that I couldn't give 100 per cent to."

Harvey politely declined to comment on any other prospective candidates but said: “We have a couple of irons in the fire.”