DANNY Holmes admits he could be keen to take the managerial reins at Wimborne Town on a permanent basis – but insists: “I have to step up and meet the standards the club want.”

The former Middlesbrough and Aldershot midfielder will take charge of Magpies for the first time on Saturday after brother Matty moved to a new role as the club’s community and academy director of football.

Having worked in the first-team coaching staff at the Cuthbury outfit since June 2016, the 47-year-old steps up to take charge of the clash against Southern League South rivals Truro City (3pm) in the FA Cup first qualifying round.

Prior to his time at Wimborne, he spent eight seasons coaching in Cherries' academy.

A statement released by Magpies on Wednesday said Danny Holmes would manage the side “until such time as a new manager is appointed”. However, he said he would like to put his name in the hat for the job in the long-term.

Danny Holmes told the Daily Echo: “The club seem quite keen on me taking it and vice versa but what we have said is I want to see how the boys react and how we go. I would like to think there would not be any change and also I need to step up to the plate.

“As a coach it was much easier for me to come in and out, leaving some of the problems to Matty.

“Now there is going to be a lot more to take on board and I need to see if I can do that. It is a learning curve.

“If it goes quite well and (director) Graham Bell and everyone at the club is happy with me, we have said we would keep it as it is because that is how we would like it to be but it has to be best for both parties. I am fully aware of the situation. I have to step up and meet the standards the club want.

“I know I would get the backing and it is a great club but I am not going to kid myself and say I am going to be the right person. I will know within a month or the next two to three weeks.”

Quizzed on his previous experience, he said: “The nearest I have come to this was when I was at AFC Bournemouth and Eddie Howe came into the academy many moons ago.

“He gave the under-16s role, which was a fantastic thing for me, but at this standard and this level, this is new for me.

“There will be a lot of challenges but I am relishing it.

“I am a character that will give things a go but it is a new experience and you only learn by taking on these responsibilities and roles.”

Carl Pettefer and James Stokoe should shake off injury concerns to be available for the cup tie.

Discussing the trip to Treyew Road, Danny Holmes said: “We will go with a good mentality. As far as I am concerned, there will be no excuses about what has happened this week because it is a sideways stepping stone and they all know me. I expect us to conduct ourselves well, have a good go and look to win the game.”