CHRISTCHURCH boss Ollie Cherrett confirmed he had turned down a tentative approach from Hamworthy United over their managerial vacancy.

Cherrett, who left Merley to replace Adie Arnold in September, admitted he had been sounded out by Hammers chairman Steve Harvey after Shane Traynor had quit. 

But the Priory manager insisted he owed his current club for giving him his first break in the Wessex League and that he remained focused on plotting their return to the Premier Division next season.

Cherrett told the Daily Echo: "We are still at the start of our plan and the committee has been very supportive. There is very much a feeling of unfinished business and we are looking forward to the season.

"Some people might see Hamworthy as a step up but the plan is to get Christchurch promoted back to the Wessex Premier.

"Within reason, the club has given us a great deal of control and allowed us to get on with things. Out of respect to everyone, we want to carry on.

"Having asked the players to buy into what we want to do, I would feel bad to then not show commitment myself by going to Hamworthy."

Asked about the approach, Harvey said: "He wasn't offered the job outright, more whether he would be interested if it became available.

"At the time, I was still trying to talk Shane Traynor around but the committee had interviewed Ollie before."

Ex-Verwood boss Carl Poore is understood to remain a target for United after ex-Wimborne Town assistant Paul Roast turned down the job earlier this week.