ADIE Arnold’s return to the Verwood Town hot seat has been confirmed – but a wall of silence remains at Potterne Park.

The worst-kept secret in Sydenhams Wessex League football was made public on Friday when Potters announced Arnold as successor to sacked boss Gavin Reeves.

Former Poole Town coach Reeves claimed he had been dismissed by incoming chairman Martin Gilham for not standing down and accepting a position as first-team coach to allow Arnold, who was invited on to the backroom staff towards the end of August, to take over.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Gilham politely declined to add to the statement on the club’s website, while Arnold was unavailable for comment.

The statement read: “Verwood Town are pleased to announce the appointment of new managers for both the first team and development squad.

Adie Arnold has been appointed first-team manager with Kris Anderton as his assistant and Connor Jordan has been appointed the development-squad manager with Andrew Hardiman as his assistant.

“The committee and supporters would like to take this opportunity to wish both management teams every success for the future.”

Verwood remain bottom of the Premier Division after a 4-0 defeat at Cowes Sports on Saturday. Jimmy Wykes (2), Jordan Browne and a penalty from Tom Scovell did the damage.