ADIE Arnold has ruled out a return to Verwood Town and says he is set to become Ringwood boss Charlie Pierson’s number two.

Arnold, who masterminded Verwood’s ascent to the Wessex League’s top flight four years ago, confirmed he had been sounded out by members of the Potters committee following Alan Lay’s surprise departure a week ago.

But having ruled himself out of the running, the ex-Christchurch boss revealed his route back into football would take him to Long Lane rather than his former haunt.

Addressing the speculation, Arnold told the Daily Echo: “I did not apply for the Verwood job. Quite a few people from within the club have been contacting me but not the chairman.

“I am not going to hide that but I am going to Ringwood to work alongside Charlie Pierson.

“I have known him for a long time, it is something that has been in the pipeline for quite a while now and I am really looking forward to taking on another challenge.

“Ringwood reminds me a lot of Verwood when I first went there. It has a lot of potential and I can’t wait to get involved again.”

Arnold said Danny Saxby, his right-hand man at Verwood and Christchurch, would not be joining him at Ringwood.