Mark Molesley deserves 'full credit' for glittering start to his managerial career, says Eddie Howe

Molesley, who combines his work with the Terras alongside a role as Cherries under-21s assistant boss, guided his side to Dorset Senior Cup triumph, defeating Dorchester Town 4-2 in the final at the Avenue.

It follows on from Molesley, who turned 39 yesterday, clinching the Southern League South title as well as Southern League Shield with Weymouth last year.

"I think he's done really well," Howe told the Daily Echo when asked about Molesley, who spent more than two years playing under him at Cherries.

"I think management at that level is incredibly difficult because you’re pulled in many different directions in terms of most of the players have other jobs and to get a cohesive team and common goal for that team is incredibly difficult and I think he’s done really, really well.

"Obviously to combine the two jobs that he has, hugely impressive the way he’s conducted himself so congratulations to him."

Weymouth have their eyes on another promotion, currently sitting third in National South.

Asked if he saw Molesley as a potential future manager during his playing days, Howe admitted: "Being honest, no probably not.

"Because he was new into professional football when we signed him, most of his career had been in non-league and I think he had that motivation and desire to play, but I never really thought that would transfer itself into management and coaching.

"Just because he was quite popular with the players. He was very much a socialiser with the group. I didn’t necessarily see him taking the hours to learn a new skill and go into the world of football.

"Because when you go into coaching and management you have to really commit on so many different levels, it’s a big sacrifice.

"He’s got a young family as well. So that’s where I have to give him the full credit because it’s not an easy thing to do at that stage of his life, to refocus, but he’s done it brilliantly."